Tensions between the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Proshit) and the Parbattya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS-Santu) have escalated in Sajek Valley and surrounding areas of the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, raising concerns among local residents over the possibility of conflict.
Following reports that JSS (Santu) had allegedly threatened to kill Babudhan Chakma, a coordinator of the judiciary department of Sajek Union affiliated with UPDF (Proshit), the UPDF (Proshit) has reportedly planned a protest procession and rally involving around 80 to 100 people on October 8 to protest the alleged threat.
The UPDF (Proshit) reportedly planned to hold an online meeting on October 7 to finalize the venue of the protest. Preliminary information suggests that the protest may be held near Gangaram Bazar in Sajek.
In addition, according to sources, the UPDF (Proshit) plans to issue a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that armed members of JSS (Santu) leave the Machalong area. The UPDF has reportedly warned that if the JSS (Santu) armed members do not leave the area within the stipulated period, it will impose an indefinite blockade on the Sajek-Baghaichhari road.
The situation has raised concerns among tourists and local residents traveling to Sajek over their safety and security.
Meanwhile, JSS (Santu) has reportedly warned ordinary hill residents not to participate in the protest organized by the UPDF (Proshit). It has also warned that the JSS will not take responsibility if any confrontation or bloodshed occurs as a result of participation in the protest.
JSS (Santu) has also warned residents of Sajek Ujo Bazar (Gangaram Bazar) and the Machalong area to stay away from the protest. The warnings have reportedly been communicated to local residents verbally and through posts on Facebook.
Amid the reciprocal warnings between UPDF (Proshit) and JSS (Santu), tensions remain high in Sajek, Machalong and Gangaram, with local residents increasingly concerned that the situation could escalate into further conflict.
