Rangamati, Oct 15 (V7N)- An indefinite road blockade has resumed in Sajek, one of Bangladesh’s popular tourist destinations in Rangamati, disrupting transport, tourism businesses and daily life for local residents.

The second phase of the blockade began at 6:00 am on Thursday, October 15, following a joint announcement by Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee, and Notun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association.

With the blockade in effect, all vehicle movement on the Sajek road has been suspended. Local resorts, cottages and other tourism-related businesses have also halted their services.

The disruption has reportedly affected at least 30,000 people from the Lusai, Tripura, Chakma and Marma ethnic communities living in the area. Local markets remained unusually quiet despite it being a market day, while farmers have been unable to transport their jhum crops to market because of the lack of transport.

Residents have warned that a prolonged blockade could lead to food shortages in Sajek, prompting calls for an urgent resolution to the crisis.

At the start of the blockade, protesters were seen burning tyres, bamboo and tree trunks at several locations, including area No. 10 in Baghaihat, Gangaram Bridge and the 14-kilometre point in Machalong. The closure of roads and businesses has added to the difficulties faced by residents and visitors in Sajek and neighbouring areas.

The unrest reportedly began following several exchanges of gunfire linked to a rivalry between two armed regional organisations in the Chittagong Hill Tracts: the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF-Main) and the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS), associated with Santu Larma. A Tripura schoolchild was reportedly shot during the violence.

On October 11, leaders and activists of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Karbari Association launched an indefinite road blockade, citing the presence of armed groups in different parts of Sajek and concerns over public safety.

The administration subsequently assured the groups that three demands would be addressed within 48 hours, leading to a temporary suspension of the blockade that afternoon.

However, the organisers said they had resumed the programme because the demands had not been implemented within the stipulated period. They are calling for action to address the security situation and ensure the safety of local residents.

END/SMA/AJ