Sajek blockade enters 3rd day

Tourism in Sajek Valley remained disrupted on Saturday as an indefinite road blockade entered its third day, with joint forces continuing patrols to maintain law and order in the area.

The blockade was jointly enforced by the Sajek Ganadhikar Rakkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association to press for three demands, including the immediate removal of armed members of the Santu-led faction of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) from the area and ensuring the security of local residents.

No untoward incident was reported on Saturday, while the Army, police and other law enforcement agencies continued coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, a half-day road and waterway blockade was observed in Khagrachhari on Saturday in protest against a gunfight at Ujjobazar in Sajek.

The Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad also announced a half-day road and waterway blockade in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts from 5am in support of the ongoing movement in Sajek.

Early in the morning, protesters set tyres on fire and blocked a road in the South Khobongpuria area of Khagrachhari town. Law enforcement personnel later removed the burning tyres and cleared the road for traffic. Earlier on Thursday, nearly 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley were evacuated with the assistance of the Army and police amid the ongoing blockade.

During the evacuation, armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) allegedly opened fire on tourists and law enforcement personnel.