Another 12-hour road blockade announced in Sajek
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The Parbatya Chattagram Rakkha Committee has announced another daylong road blockade in Sajek, a tourist destination in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati. The blockade will be enforced on the Sajek road from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 1.
The organisation announced the programme in protest against armed demonstrations in Sajek, attacks involving tourists being held hostage and armed activities in front of Bhaibonchhara Government Primary School.
In a press release sent to the media on Saturday, October 31, Parbatya Chattagram Rakkha Committee Member Secretary Bindu Lal Chakma announced the programme.
The statement said that road blockades have been continuing on the Sajek road since October 11. Meanwhile, fresh gunfire in the Sajek area on October 31 has created panic among ordinary residents of the hills. The organisation also claimed that armed demonstrations in front of Bhaibonchhara Government Primary School have raised concerns among guardians and local residents.
The organisation alleged that the activities of armed groups have threatened the lives and livelihoods of ordinary people, as well as the tourist route to Sajek. It said the decision to enforce the blockade from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday was taken to protest these incidents and demand security in the area.
The statement further said that ambulances carrying patients, Fire Service vehicles and vehicles carrying journalists would remain exempt from the blockade. However, the committee urged tourists, members of the public, vehicle owners and leaders of transport workers’ organisations not to operate vehicles on the road during the blockade.
On Friday, October 30, the Sajek Gana Odhikar Rakkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association jointly announced that the ongoing road blockade would be suspended for one day on Sunday, November 1. The decision was made considering the basic needs of local residents and the observance of the Kathina Chibar Dana festival by Buddhist communities. However, the fresh announcement by the Parbatya Chattagram Rakkha Committee has created the prospect of another road blockade in Sajek on Sunday.
Meanwhile, prolonged blockades and security concerns have kept tourism activities in Sajek suspended, leaving local traders, cottage and resort owners, employees and others involved in the tourism sector facing financial losses.
Although they had hoped business activities would return to normal during the tourist season, repeated blockade announcements have increased uncertainty among them. Those concerned believe that a permanent solution through discussions among the parties involved is necessary rather than temporary suspension or changes to the blockade programme.
The statement sought everyone’s cooperation in ensuring that the programme was conducted peacefully. It also called on the government and local administration to stop armed activities in Sajek, bring armed groups under the law and ensure the safety of local residents.
