Fresh fighting between armed members of two rival regional groups broke out in Sajek, Rangamati, on Saturday, heightening tensions in an area already reeling from weeks of violence, road blockades and the suspension of tourism.
Members of the Parbatya Chottogram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) exchanged gunfire in the remote Kalabunia area of Baghaichhari upazila from around 1pm, reportedly over control of the territory.
The shooting continued intermittently for nearly two hours, spreading panic among local residents.
No casualties had been confirmed as of the latest reports.
Sajek police station Officer-in-Charge Tofazzal Hossain confirmed the incident, saying the difficult terrain had prevented police from immediately reaching the site.
He said police and joint security forces were preparing to enter the area to bring the situation under control.
Security personnel were monitoring developments from a distance as tensions persisted.
The latest confrontation comes amid a prolonged dispute involving the JSS, led by Santu Larma, and the UPDF, led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, over territorial influence in Sajek.
The area has witnessed repeated incidents of armed violence in recent weeks.
On September 29, a nine-year-old girl, Sanjita Tripura, was wounded by gunfire during a clash between the rival groups in Sajek’s Chailyatali area.
Tensions escalated further in October when local organisations launched road blockades demanding action against armed groups.
On October 22, gunfire broke out between security forces and an armed group during an operation to escort tourists out of Sajek.
The Rangamati district administration subsequently suspended tourism in Sajek Valley until further notice, citing security concerns.
Repeated blockades have disrupted transport, restricted the movement of residents and affected the supply of essential goods.
Local organisations announced a 12-hour relaxation of the blockade for Sunday, but the latest exchange of gunfire has added to concerns over security in the region.
Police had not confirmed whether the fighting had ended or whether anyone had been injured.
