A blockade is underway in Rangamati and Khagrachhari as three organisations enforce a shutdown to press for the implementation of their three-point demand.
The blockade, called by the Chhatra-Janatar Sangram Parishad, Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Karbari Association, began at 5am on Saturday and is scheduled to continue until noon.
Protesters staged picketing by burning tyres and tree trunks at Kutukchhari Bazar on the main Rangamati-Khagrachhari road, Pujgang in Khagrachhari’s Panchhari area, and Baghaihat No. 10 and the 14-kilometre area of Machalong in Sajek.
During a visit in the morning, the correspondent found that very few buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws were operating at Kalyanpur Bosa Haat in Rangamati municipality. However, the market saw a larger crowd than usual despite the half-day shutdown.
No vehicles were seen plying the Rangamati-Khagrachhari road, while a limited number of buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws continued to operate on the Rangamati-Chattogram highway.
Water transport was also affected, with fewer launches and engine-powered boats operating on local waterways.
The prolonged blockade in Sajek and reports of exchanges of gunfire between army personnel and armed groups have reportedly fuelled fear among residents.
Many CNG auto-rickshaw drivers have kept their vehicles off the road, while others have continued working to earn their livelihoods.
In a statement, the Chhatra-Janatar Sangram Parishad urged people to make the peaceful half-day road and waterway blockade in both districts a success.
The organisation said the programme was called to protest attacks, baton charges and vandalism of homes and shops during an earlier peaceful road blockade over the three-point demand, as well as to support the legitimate demands of Sajek residents.
The Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Karbari Association launched their blockade to press for three demands, the withdrawal within 48 hours of members of the JSS, led by Santu Larma, from the Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli, Noapara, Lambabak and Bhuyochhari areas of Machalong in Sajek; an end to threats against ordinary residents by JSS members; and an end to searches of residents’ homes and harassment by the army administration.
The blockade across Sajek was first launched on 8 October. The organisations later suspended and reinstated the programme several times.
Most recently, the two organisations called another blockade on Thursday.
