Indefinite road blockade in Sajek again from Thursday

Sajek Gonoadhikar Raksha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association have announced an indefinite blockade of the Sajek tourism road again from Thursday, as their three-point demands have not been met. The programme was announced over various demands, including the removal of members of the JSS Santu group from the Sajek area.

Notun Joy Chakma, president of Sajek Karbari Association, and Babudhan Chakma, convener of Sajek Gonoadhikar Raksha Committee, made the announcement in a joint statement sent to the media on Wednesday afternoon.

The statement said a demand had been raised to remove JSS members from the area to ensure the safety, lives and property of Sajek residents and to stop their alleged terrorist activities and harassment. But as the demand has not been met, the blockade programme will be observed on the Sajek tourism road again from Thursday. The programme will continue until further announcement.

The statement also said the blockade was suspended from October 16 to 21, at the request of the Baghaihat and Machalong Bazar Durga Puja celebration committees and out of respect for Sharodiya Durga Puja. The indefinite road blockade had begun earlier on October 11. Md Salman, deputy commander of Baghaihat Army Zone, and the administration assured on that day that members of the JSS Santu group would be removed within 48 hours and that the three-point demands of Sajek residents would be met, after which the blockade was suspended.

The two organisations have also requested tourists visiting Sajek to leave the tourist area by Wednesday.

The joint statement alleged that JSS members, maintaining their earlier position, are openly carrying out armed activities in Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli Kutir, Noapara, Lambabak and Bhuyochhari areas of Machalong in Sajek. More than 100 ordinary people have been driven from their homes with death threats and intimidation. Mobile phones used by villagers have also been snatched. Out of fear, ordinary jhum farmers are unable to go to the fields to clean turmeric and broom grass gardens.

The statement further alleged that although law enforcement agencies conducted showy operations, no effective action has been taken against the accused. Instead, those protesting injustice are being harassed.

Meanwhile, tourists were seen thronging Sajek during the Durga Puja holidays. No room is vacant in cottages and resorts. More than 3,000 tourists visited Sajek on Wednesday, it is learned. Although the two organisations asked tourists to leave Sajek by Wednesday, it could not be confirmed whether they have left the area.

Rintu Chakma, vice president of Sajek Cottage-Resort Owners Association, said a huge number of tourists have come to Sajek. No room is vacant in any cottage or resort.