A gunfight broke out between law enforcement agencies and blockade enforcers in Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila over a road blockade in Sajek. This incident has sparked renewed concern over the security situation in the hilly tourist destination. The event occurred amidst an ongoing movement demanding the removal of armed group members from the area and the assurance of safety for local residents.
The Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association resumed an indefinite blockade on the Sajek tourist road from Thursday, October 22. The two organizations alleged that their three-point demands were not fulfilled despite assurances from the administration. These demands include the withdrawal of armed JSS members stationed in various areas of Sajek and ensuring the security of life and property for local residents.
Earlier, the two organizations had launched a blockade on the Sajek road starting October 11. The program was temporarily suspended after the administration and law enforcement agencies assured that the demands would be met. Later, accusing authorities of failing to implement the demands, the blockade resumed on October 15. The program was kept suspended from October 16 to October 21 on the occasion of Sharadiya Durgapuja.
The blockade enforcers alleged that the activities of armed group members continue in several places in the Machalong area. They claimed that local residents are facing insecurity due to these reasons and many have been forced to leave their homes. However, it was not possible to independently verify all the allegations surrounding the armed group.
On the other hand, fears have arisen that the road communication between Sajek and Khagrachari as well as tourism activities will be disrupted due to the blockade. Before the blockade began, the two organizations had requested tourists staying in Sajek to leave the area. They stated that emergency services, ambulances, fire services, transport carrying emergency medicines and newspapers, and vehicles carrying journalists engaged in news collection would be kept outside the purview of the blockade.
Detailed information regarding casualties, the exact location of the gunfight, and how the incident originated could not be confirmed. A complete picture of the incident will emerge once law enforcement steps to control the situation and statements from relevant authorities are obtained.
