Talks on to end Sajek blockade 

KHAGRACHHARI, Oct 26: Talks between government representatives and protesters blocking the road to Sajek in Rangamati and Khagrachhari have made significant progress, with both sides reaching an understanding on four of the protesters’ five demands.

The indefinite blockade is expected to be withdrawn soon, Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, MP, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, said on Monday after a meeting with the protesters.

Speaking at a press briefing at Khagrachhari Circuit House, Wadud said the remaining issue �" concerning the removal of armed members of the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) from Sajek �" would be discussed again within the next few days.

He expressed hope that the progress made in the negotiations would help end the prolonged disruption affecting Sajek, a popular tourist destination in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The meeting was held at Ujjo Bazar from 3:00pm on Monday as part of efforts by lawmakers from Khagrachhari and Rangamati and local administrations to resolve the standoff.

Four representatives of the protesters took part in the discussions. They were Babudhan Chakma and Jiku Chakma of the Sajek Gonoodhikar Rokkha Committee, Nutan Joy Chakma of the Sajek Karbari Association, and Ushatan Chakma of the Chhatra-Janta Sangram Parishad.

At the beginning of the meeting, the protesters submitted their five-point demand list in writing to the government delegation. The discussions resulted in an understanding on four demands, while the issue concerning the alleged presence of armed JSS members in Sajek remained unresolved.

Rangamati lawmaker Dipen Dewan, Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Anwar Sadat, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi and senior law enforcement officials were present at the press briefing.

The blockade has disrupted movement along the Sajek tourist route, raising concerns among tourism operators and residents who depend heavily on visitors for their livelihoods.