Sajek blockade enters fifth day

There is still no decision on withdrawing the road blockade in Sajek, in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila. The indefinite programme, called by the Sajek Gonoadhikar Raksha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association on three demands, entered its fifth day on Monday (October 26). Vehicular movement on the Sajek road remains suspended because of the blockade, though law enforcement personnel are patrolling key points.

The blockade, which began on October 22, has disrupted normal activities in the Sajek Valley tourist destination. With tourist movement halted, concern has grown among tourism-related businesspeople and local residents. No pickets were seen at various points along the road in support of the blockade on Monday, but law enforcement agencies are keeping watch on the situation.

Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gonoadhikar Raksha Committee, said the programme is being held to demand the removal of armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS), led by Santu Larma, from the Sajek area, to ensure the security of local hill people, and to take effective measures to restore a peaceful environment in the area. The protesters have announced that the blockade will continue until the demands are met.

Meanwhile, the administration has taken an initiative to hold talks with the protesters. At a meeting with headmen and karbaris in the Rangamati deputy commissioner’s conference room on Sunday (October 25), a three-member committee was formed. According to those concerned, the committee members will sit with the protesters on Monday to discuss the demands.

Those present at the meeting included Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs and Member of Parliament from Khagrachhari; Dipen Dewan, MP from Rangamati; Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi; and Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib, along with representatives of the military and civil administration.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib said the situation in the area is under control and that an initiative has been taken to hold talks with the protesters to resolve the crisis.

Those concerned hope the dispute will be resolved through dialogue and normalcy restored in Sajek. However, no final decision on withdrawing the blockade is known yet.