Clashes between the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS-Santu Larma faction) and the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF-Prasit faction) over territorial dominance in Sajek, Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati, continued for a second consecutive day on Sunday, triggering panic among local residents.
The groups exchanged gunfire intermittently for more than two hours.
The gunfight broke out around 3:15pm in Langal Mara, near Machalong, and at Moner Chura in the South Bhaibonchhara reserve forest area of Ward No 5 of Sajek Union. No casualties were reported initially.
A similar exchange of gunfire took place in the Kalabunia area of Sajek on Saturday.
Police, local residents and public representatives said the clashes erupted over territorial dominance, with the two groups exchanging fire in the areas from around 3:15pm until 5:30pm.
Porichoy Chakma, a member of Ward No 5 of Sajek Union, told Dhaka Tribune: “Gunfire broke out around 3:15pm at Moner Chura in the South Bhaibonchhara reserve forest area. As the area is remote and has no nearby settlements, no immediate reports of casualties were available.”
Heavy gunfire erupted between the JSS and UPDF in the Kalabunia area of Ward No 5 of Sajek Union from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday. According to a reliable source, two people, one from each group, were killed in the clash. However, no organisation has confirmed the reported deaths.
Sajek Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Toffazzal Hossain confirmed that clashes between the two groups had continued for a second consecutive day.
He told Dhaka Tribune: “We have received reports that the JSS and UPDF have been exchanging gunfire for more than two hours over territorial dominance in the Langal Mara and Moner Chura areas. No casualties have been reported so far. We are looking into the matter.”
Meanwhile, following two consecutive days of clashes between the rival regional groups in the remote areas of Sajek, law enforcement agencies have stepped up security measures to bring the situation under control. The gunfights have sparked panic among local residents, who have expressed concern over the escalating tension.
Separately, two organisations have announced a one-day suspension of their blockade on the Sajek road in Rangamati. However, transport workers have opposed the decision and called a counter-blockade, creating fresh uncertainty over road communications in the area.
Vehicle movement on the Dighinala-Sajek-Baghaichhari road has remained suspended since Sunday morning as drivers and transport workers demand higher wages and allowances. However, inter-district bus services between Rangamati and Khagrachhari and other routes remain operational.
