Indefinite road blockade in Sajek, tourists stranded

Sajek Carbari Association and Sajek Gon Odhikar Roksha Committee have started an indefinite road blockade programme in Sajek of Baghaichhari, Rangamati. The programme began at 6am on Sunday, October 11, at the call of the two organisations, demanding the safety and protection of the lives and property of locals.

According to local sources, blockade supporters have been picketing by burning tyres at various points, including Gangaram Uchabazar on the Sajek-Dighinala road, since early morning. As a result, all types of vehicles travelling from Sajek and Baghaichhari towards Dighinala are halted. However, no untoward incident was reported anywhere during the blockade.

President of Khagrachhari Mahindra Malik Kalyan Samabay Samity, Tuntu Moni Chakma, said it is now the peak tourist season. On average, nearly 2,500 tourists travel to Sajek daily in about 30 Mahindra vehicles and jeeps. Many tourists also set off from Khagrachhari town towards Sajek on Sunday morning. However, due to the blockade, they could not go beyond Baghaihat. Tourists are scheduled to be taken to Sajek around 2pm under the guard of law enforcement agencies.

Organising Secretary of Sajek Resort-Cottage Malik Samity, Rahul Chakma, said some tourists left Sajek yesterday after hearing about the blockade. Again, some new tourists have also arrived. Overall, about 3,000 tourists are currently staying in Sajek. No vehicle carrying tourists left Sajek for Khagrachhari in the morning. Vehicles carrying tourists are scheduled to leave around 2pm.

Convener of Sajek Gon Odhikar Roksha Committee, Babudhan Chakma, said their pre-announced road blockade programme has been continuing peacefully since 6am. However, they are being obstructed while picketing at various places. The blockade will continue until their demands are met.

In this regard, Sajek Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tofazzal Hossain said no vehicles are moving in Sajek. All tourist vehicles will leave Sajek at 2pm under the guard of security forces. At the same time, vehicles are scheduled to leave Baghaihat for Sajek.