An indefinite blockade is underway on Sajek tourist road in Rangamati to press home a three-point demand called by Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association.
The demonstrators burned tyres and tree trunks across several locations, including Ujo Bazar in Gangaramm on Friday.
Speaking over the phone, Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee, claimed that more than 90 people, including women and children, were injured during baton charges and attacks by security forces on Thursday.
He said blockade activities were ongoing at various points in Sajek, while accusing security forces of obstructing local residents from keeping shops open and moving from one area to another.
In a joint statement, Babudhon Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee, and Natun Joy Chakma, president of the Karbari Association, said local residents participated peacefully in the blockade at Ujo Bazar and other points.
They alleged that army personnel launched an unprovoked attack and indiscriminately baton-charged blockaders, vandalised the residence and shop of Bijoy, and fired blank shots.
Conversely, Rangamati District Superintendent of Police (SP) Muhammad Abdur Raqib claimed during a press conference at his office on Thursday noon that four army personnel and two police members were injured in an attack by blockaders.
He said the casualties occurred when blockaders hurled brickbats at an army escort and tourists at Ujo Bazar in Gangaramm while tourists were being transported from Sajek.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday afternoon that a gunfight took place between the army and the UPDF on Thursday morning, adding that no casualties were reported.
However, Bijoy refuted claims of a gunfight between security forces and the UPDF as untrue.
UPDF Chief Organiser Michael Chakma and Spokesperson Anggya Marma also denied any gunfight between the army and UPDF or during the tourist escort.
They said security forces instead carried out unlawful baton charges, shootings, shop vandalism, and attacks on protesters, leaving men and women of various ages injured.
The blockade was called to demand a three-point charter: the removal of Santu Larma-led JSS members from Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli, Noapara, Lambabak, and Bhuyochhari in Sajek’s Machalong area within 48 hours; an end to JSS threats against citizens; and a halt to searches and harassment of innocent civilians by army administration.
The two organisations had initially launched the blockade programme in its first phase on 8 October.
In a related development, the Chhatra-Janta Sangram Parishad announced a half-day road and waterway blockade across Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts on Saturday from 5am to 12pm.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, organisation President Ooshatan Chakma said the half-day blockade was called to protest against attacks, baton charges, and vandalism of homes and shops during the peaceful blockade in Sajek, Baghaichhari, Rangamati, and in support of the legitimate demands of Sajek residents.
