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A road blockade has resumed in Sajek, Rangamati, with the indefinite shutdown called by two organisations backed by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) entering its 12th day on Monday (November 2).
Although the blockade was relaxed for 12 hours on Sunday, protesters resumed demonstrations on Monday morning by placing tree trunks across roads and setting fires. The prolonged blockade has triggered severe shortages of food and essential commodities across Sajek.
The crisis remains unresolved as the five-point demands raised by the Sajek Ganadhikar Rakkha Committee and the Karbari Association have yet to be met, despite 11 days of protests. Babudhan Chakma, president of the Sajek Ganadhikar Rakkha Committee, announced that the movement would continue until the demands were fulfilled. He made the announcement during a Facebook Live session at 7:00pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, two separate gunfights reportedly took place over the past two days between the JSS and UPDF in Kalabunia and Durdurichhara areas of Sajek over territorial dominance.
Officer-in-Charge of Sajek Police Station Tofazzal Hossain confirmed the exchange of gunfire but said no specific information about casualties was available due to the area’s remote and difficult terrain.
The prolonged blockade and gunfights have created a tense situation in Sajek. Resort and cottage owners, as well as local residents, are facing severe difficulties. Shortages of essential commodities and medicines have raised fears of a major humanitarian crisis.
Security forces remain on alert to ensure the safety of residents and their property.
According to local sources, food supplies in households are running low due to the prolonged blockade and clashes. Locally produced hill fruits are also rotting as farmers cannot transport or sell them in markets.
Residents are living in uncertainty and fear, with no adequate arrangements to transport seriously ill patients to hospitals.
The district administration has already imposed a restriction on tourist entry to Sajek tourism centre to maintain law and order and ensure visitors’ safety.
Speaking about the situation, Sajek Police Station OC Tofazzal Hossain said the blockade had entered its 12th day, with tree trunks placed at several locations.
However, he said no untoward incidents had been reported so far and the administration remained fully alert.
