Local rights groups have announced an indefinite road blockade on the Sajek tourist road in Baghaichari upazila of Rangamati from Thursday (October 22) over unfulfilled three-point demands, organizers said Wednesday.
In a joint statement, Sajek Karbari Association President Notun Joy Chakma and Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee Convener Babudhon Chakma requested tourists currently staying in Sajek to leave by Wednesday for their safety.
The blockade, initially launched on October 11 over three demands, was suspended following assurances from the local administration. One of the key demands was the removal of armed members of the JSS (Santu) group within 48 hours. After the administration failed to act, the blockade briefly resumed on October 15 before being suspended again from October 16 to 21 out of respect for Durga Puja.
Organizers alleged that armed JSS members continue open intimidation in Machalong, Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli Kutir, Noapara, Lambabak, and Bhuoyachari, displacing over a hundred villagers and preventing Jum farmers from working.
Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee Member Secretary Bijoy Kanti Chakma said ambulances, fire services, hearse vans, emergency medicine and newspaper transports, and journalists' vehicles will remain exempt from the blockade.