The Sajek Gana Adhikar Rakkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association have announced a fresh road blockade on the Sajek Valley tourist road in Rangamati from Thursday to press for their three-point demands.
The announcement was made in a joint statement issued on Wednesday by Sajek Karbari Association President Natun Joy Chakma, and Sajek Gana Adhikar Rakkha Committee Convener Babudhon Chakma.
The blockade programme had been temporarily suspended from 16 October to 21 October following a request from the Baghaihat and Machalong Bazar Durga Puja Celebration Committee, out of respect for Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Sanatan community.
The two organisations had initially enforced an indefinite road blockade on 11 October to press for their three-point demands.
On the first day of that blockade, a 48-hour deadline was set demanding the removal of JSS members led by Santu Larma, an end to harassment under the guise of army searches at local residents’ homes in Sajek, and the return of mobile phones and belongings seized during those searches.
The initial protest was suspended for 48 hours after assurances were provided by the army, before being enforced once again on Thursday.
In their latest statement, leaders of both organisations alleged that JSS members remain in their former positions. They said that armed groups led by company commanders Chinu Marma and Simon Chakma are operating openly across the Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli Kutir, Noapara, Lambabak, and Bhuyochhari areas of Machalong in Sajek.
The statement further alleged that over a hundred local residents have been threatened with death, intimidated into fleeing their homes, and stripped of their mobile phones. Consequently, local Jum farmers are unable to work in their turmeric and broom-flower fields out of fear.
The leaders also accused the army of conducting eye-wash operations without taking action against the armed group, alleging that authorities are instead harassing those protesting against JSS oppression under the guise of operations.
The organisations maintained that the blockade will continue until JSS members are completely removed from Sajek. Tourists currently visiting Sajek have been requested to leave the tourist area within Wednesday.
Emergency fire services, ambulances, hearses, transport carrying essential medicines and newspapers, as well as vehicles used by journalists on news gathering assignments, will remain exempt from the blockade.
