48-hour road blockade in Sajek

The Sajek Karbari Association and Sajek People's Rights Protection Committee have called a 48-hour road blockade in Sajek, Rangamati, from 12noon on Saturday (October 10), protesting the alleged presence of JSS (Santu Larma) members and threats against local residents.

Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek People's Rights Protection Committee, said armed members of the JSS must leave Sajek within the 48-hour blockade period, warning that the movement would be intensified otherwise.

Sources from the two organisations said the blockade was announced at a rally and demonstration at Machalong Ujo Bazar in Sajek on Thursday.

However, the JSS has alleged that the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) pressured the two organisations into calling the blockade.

Nagendra Chakma, former general secretary of the JSS Rangamati district unit, claimed that the organisations had announced the programme under pressure from the UPDF. He also denied allegations that JSS members had threatened local residents.

Denying the allegation of coercion, UPDF spokesperson Angya Marma said the claim that the organisation had forced the two groups to call the blockade was untrue. However, he said the UPDF supported their programme in favour of local residents.

Meanwhile, around 3,000 tourists were staying at the Sajek tourist destination on Friday night, according to Rahul Chakma, organising secretary of the Sajek Resort-Cottage Owners Association.

Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amena Marjan said she had heard about the planned road blockade. With assistance from security forces, tourists staying in Sajek left for Baghaihat around 10AM on Saturday, she added.