Two local organizations have announced that they will resume the blockade of the Sajek tourist road from October 15 after the administration failed to fulfill three demands raised by local residents, including the removal of armed members of the JSS (Santu Larma faction), within the promised 48-hour deadline.
The announcement was made in a joint statement issued on October 14 by the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. The statement was signed by Babudhan Chakma, convener of the committee, and Nutan Joy Chakma, president of the association.
According to the two organizations, they blocked the Sajek tourist road on October 11 to demand the removal of armed members of the JSS (Santu Larma faction), who they alleged were carrying out armed activities in the Machalong area, and the fulfillment of three demands raised by local residents. The administration reportedly promised to meet the demands within 48 hours, prompting the organizations to suspend their indefinite blockade temporarily.
However, the organizations said the authorities had failed to implement their demands even after the deadline expired. They also alleged that army personnel set fire to and destroyed the home of a local resident named Myio Chakma in Chillyatuli village, Machalong, on October 13. The organizations strongly condemned and protested against the alleged incident.
The statement further alleged that armed members of the JSS (Santu Larma faction) remained deployed in several locations across the Machalong area, including Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli, Noapara, Lambabak and Bhuyochhari. They reportedly continued armed activities, threatened and intimidated local residents, and confiscated their mobile phones. The organizations also criticized the army, alleging that despite conducting operations, it had taken no effective action against the armed members.
The two organizations said the blockade would continue until the armed members were removed from the area and the alleged threats and harassment were stopped, in order to protect the safety, lives and property of local residents.
Source: Bangladesh Media.
