Continuous blockades halt life in Sajek, cancel Buddhist festival

Normal life in Sajek under Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati has been effectively paralyzed due to ongoing road blockades, counter-programmes, and violence, leading to severe food and medicine shortages, halted agricultural transport, and the cancellation of a major religious festival.

The crisis stems from successive rounds of blockades called since October 11 by the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association over a five-point demand. In response, another organization named the Parbattya Chattogram Rokkha Committee has enforced counter-blockades protesting terrorist activities, leaving transport links to Sajek virtually severed.

Local residents are bearing the brunt of the disruptions. With vehicular movement suspended, farmers are unable to market hill-grown agricultural produce on time, raising fears of widespread crop spoilage. Essential supplies, including food and medical provisions, have faced severe disruptions, compounding public distress.

Amidst this volatile security and operational environment, organizers have cancelled the Kathin Chibara Danutsav, one of the principal religious festivals of the local Buddhist community. According to religious traditions, the ritual requires raw cotton to be spun, woven, and stitched into a chibar (monastic robe) and offered to Buddhist monks within a strict 24-hour window.

A press release issued by the management committee of Banani Bon Bihar in the Baghaihat area confirmed the cancellation, citing security concerns and the prevailing situation in Sajek.

Dayadhan Chakma, a member of the Sajek Union Parishad, expressed regret over the obstruction of a key religious festival, noting its negative impact on community harmony and religious freedom. Baghaichhari Upazila BNP General Secretary Rahmatullah Khaza also highlighted the escalating hardships regarding basic food and medical needs, urging relevant authorities to take swift action to restore normalcy.

Although administrative officials have held multiple rounds of talks with blockade organizers, no permanent resolution has been reached. Observers warn that failure to lift the blockades promptly will deepen the humanitarian crisis, threatening local agriculture, commerce, tourism, and overall economic stability.

-EM