Sajek residents and local organizations have demanded punishment for those responsible for an alleged attack on a peaceful road blockade on October 22, compensation for affected traders and withdrawal of a case against protesters.
In a memorandum submitted to the government on Monday, the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and Sajek Karbari Association also demanded an impartial judicial inquiry into the incident and the removal of armed members of the Santu Larma-led faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) from the area, said a press release.
The signatories alleged that the armed group had been threatening residents, firing indiscriminately and extorting money from Jhum cultivators, creating fear and insecurity in several villages.
According to the statement, the group began armed activities in the area on August 31. Its members allegedly demanded Tk1,000 for every ari of Jhum land and extorted money from owners of rice-processing machines, turmeric-grinding machines and engine-powered boats. A nine-year-old girl, Kosmita Tripura, was reportedly injured by gunfire.
Residents said they had repeatedly urged the local military administration to take action against the group but received no effective response. They began an indefinite road blockade on October 11, temporarily suspending it after the army sought additional time. The blockade resumed on October 15, was suspended for Durga Puja and restarted on October 22.
The signatories alleged that security personnel attacked protesters with batons without provocation while discussions were underway about allowing stranded tourists to pass. Army personnel subsequently opened fire, vandalised and looted shops and homes in Ujopazar, and injured several people, they claimed.
They also alleged that army and police personnel later attempted to arrest SSC examinee Jharna Chakma over her participation in the blockade.
The memorandum was signed by Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee; Natun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association; Ushatan Chakma of the Student-People's Struggle Council; Jiko Chakma of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee; and Sadhana Debi Chakma of Sajek Women's Society.