Roadblock in Sajek, around 2,000 tourists stranded
Blockade supporters are picketing by burning tires on the Sajek road. Photo: Agamir Somoy.
An indefinite roadblock has begun in Sajek, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati. The program is being observed following a call by the Sajek Mass Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. As a result, road communication with Sajek has come to a complete halt.
According to a local tourism business association, around 2,000 tourists are currently stranded in Sajek. Tourists are facing uncertainty regarding their travel plans and return journeys.
Local sources reported that since morning, protesters have been picketing and burning tires at various points along the Sajek-Dighinala road, including Gangaram Ujobazar. Consequently, all types of vehicle movement from Sajek and Baghaichhari toward Dighinala have been suspended.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the indefinite roadblock was announced through a press release signed by Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Mass Rights Protection Committee.
The release alleged that an armed group using the name of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) has been consistently creating instability in Sajek valley. Additionally, local residents are being threatened and intimidated. The program was called to demand the arrest of those involved in these incidents, as well as to ensure the security, lives, and property of local residents.
Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Mass Rights Protection Committee, said, "Fed up with the harassment by the armed group using the JSS name, we decided to impose the roadblock. The movement will continue until the government takes visible legal action against those involved."
The roadblock has created uncertainty regarding the safe return of stranded tourists from Sajek. Rahul Chakma, organizational secretary of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek, stated that around 2,000 tourists are currently stranded in Sajek. Due to the roadblock, instead of the usual two daily military escorts, there is a possibility of running a single security escort at 2:00 PM. This escort may be used to bring back the stranded tourists and allow new visitors to enter.
Tofazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge (OC) of Sajek Police Station, confirmed that no untoward incidents have been reported so far. Police and army personnel are closely monitoring the situation.
