RANGAMATI, Dec 4: Tensions have escalated at Sajek in Rangamati amid 'exchange of gunfire' between two rival groups, forcing the authorities to impose travel restriction at the tourist location for Wednesday.
Some 500 tourists have been stranded in the area due to the gunfight.
Additional District Magistrate of Rangamati Zobaida Akter issued the restriction through a press release on Tuesday night.
Local people said the exchange of gunfire started between activists of Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS) and United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) in Sajek and Machalong areas few days back but it intensified on Tuesday.
No vehicles with tourists left for Sajek on Tuesday afternoon.
Motijoy Tripura, joint general secretary of Sajek Resort Owners Association, said gunfight took place at Shippara under no 7 ward in Sajek and Machalong area , 20 kilometers away from the Sajek valley.
Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan, deputy commissioner of Rangamati district, said considering the safety of tourists, the local administration imposed a travel ban for Wednesday. —UNB
