An indefinite blockade on the Khagrachhari-Sajek road in Rangamati was partially relaxed yesterday by two UPDF-backed organisations, while another group enforced a counter-blockade, disrupting traffic movement.
On the 11th day of the blockade, light vehicles were seen operating between Baghaihat Bazar and the Sajek tourist spot, allowing residents to buy essential commodities.
However, no vehicles were seen travelling to Sajek from Dighinala and Baghaichhari in Khagrachhari.
The Sajek Gono Odhikar Rakkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association, backed by the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), have enforced the blockade since October 22.
Citing humanitarian considerations, the two organizations announced a temporary relaxation of the blockade from morning until evening on Sunday.
However, the Parbatya Chittagong Rakkha Committee rejected the announcement and called a counter-blockade on the road.
Meanwhile, transport owners and workers announced a temporary suspension of vehicle operations.
Protesters blocked vehicles heading towards Sajek from Khagrachhari, Baghaichhari and Langadu from Sunday morning. They obstructed several points along the road by placing tree trunks and burning tyres, causing further suffering for commuters.
The two organizations had called the blockade demanding the removal of members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) from the area.
They announced that the blockade would resume on Monday after the temporary relaxation ends on Sunday.