An indefinite road blockade in Sajek, Baghaichhari, Rangamati, disrupted transport between Sajek and Dighinala on Sunday, leaving around 2,500 tourists facing uncertainty over their return journey.
The blockade was called by the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, with protesters demanding the arrest of individuals accused of creating instability in the area.
According to local sources, protesters have been staging demonstrations by burning tires at several points along the Sajek-Dighinala road, including Gangaram and Ujor Bazar, since Sunday morning. Vehicle movement from Sajek and Baghaichhari toward Dighinala has been halted.
The blockade was announced in a press release issued on Saturday afternoon and signed by Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee.
The press release alleged that an armed group using the name of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) had been creating an unstable situation in Sajek and subjecting ordinary people to threats and intimidation. It said the blockade was intended to demand the arrest of those involved and measures to protect the lives and property of local residents.
Bijoy Kanti Chakma said: “Fed up with the oppression by terrorists using the PCJSS name, we have decided to impose this blockade. Our movement will continue until the government takes visible legal action against them.”
Meanwhile, Md Yasin Arafat, a line manager at the Sajek tourist center, said 90 vehicles, including cars, larger vehicles and motorcycles, entered Sajek on Saturday with the government security convoy, or escort. More than 900 tourists arrived in the area in those vehicles.
Rahul Chakma John, organizing secretary of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association (CROA) of Sajek, said around 2,500 tourists were staying in Sajek.
Although the blockade had disrupted regular travel, he said there was a possibility of arranging an escorted departure for tourists from Sajek at around 2pm on Sunday.
He also expressed hope that arrangements could be made for new tourists to enter Sajek at the same time.
Md Toffazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sajek police station, said the blockade had proceeded peacefully since morning, with no reports of untoward.