One group relaxes Sajek road blockade, another enforces counter-blockade

An indefinite blockade on the Khagrachhari-Sajek road in Sajek Valley of Rangamati was relaxed on Sunday by two UPDF-backed organisations, but another group enforced a counter-blockade, disrupting traffic movement in the area.

On the 11th day of the blockade, light vehicles were seen travelling between Baghaihat Bazar and the Sajek tourist spot, allowing residents to buy essential commodities from the market.

However, no vehicles were seen leaving Dighinala and Baghaichhari in Khagrachhari for Sajek.

Sajek Gono Odhikar Rakkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association, backed by the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), have enforced the blockade on the road since October 22.

Citing humanitarian considerations, they announced the relaxation of the blockade from morning to evening on Sunday.

However, the Parbatya Chattagram Rakkha Committee rejected the announcement and called a counter-blockade on the Sajek road.

Transport owners and workers also announced that they would suspend vehicle operations for a limited period.

As a result, protesters obstructed vehicles heading towards Sajek from Khagrachhari, Baghaichhari and Langadu from Sunday morning.

They blocked several points along the road by placing tree trunks and burning tyres, causing further suffering for commuters.

The two organisation called the blockade, demanding that members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) be driven away from the area.

They announced that they will resume their blockade on Monday after the temporary relaxation ends on Sunday.