PCJSS, UPDF engage in ‘gunfight’ amid Sajek blockade

RANGAMATI, Oct 31: An exchange of gunfire between armed members of the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) continued for nearly two hours in the remote hills of Sajek in Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila on Saturday, triggering panic among residents as an indefinite road blockade entered its 10th day.

The gunfight began around 1:00pm in the Kalabunia area over a dispute between the two groups over territorial dominance, police said. No casualties had been reported by the time of filing, as the area's remote location and difficult terrain made it difficult to assess the situation.

Sajek Police Station Officer-in-Charge Toffazzal Hossain said police could not immediately reach the spot because of its inaccessibility. Police and joint security forces were preparing to enter the area to maintain law and order and bring the situation under control.

Protesters announce 12-hour blockade relaxation on Sunday

The latest violence comes amid an indefinite blockade that has disrupted communication with Baghaichhari upazila headquarters and Khagrachhari, causing shortages of food and essential commodities.

Meanwhile, protesters have announced a 12-hour relaxation of the blockade on Sunday to facilitate the transport of essential supplies and allow Buddhist monks and devotees to attend religious programmes marking the month-long Kathina Chibar Dan festival.

In a video message on Friday night, Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee Convener Babudhan Chakma said vehicles would be allowed to travel along the Sajek road from 6:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday. The blockade will resume on Monday. Special arrangements could also be made through discussions with organisers to facilitate the movement of monks and devotees.

The blockade has affected residents, traders and tourism-related businesses, with food shortages and supply disruptions adding to local hardship. Hotels and resorts have also suffered business losses.

The administration formed a three-member search committee on October 25 to resolve the crisis. The following day, a high-level delegation visited Ujobaazar in Sajek and held a nearly three-hour meeting with protesters, who placed five demands.

The delegation included Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and MP from Khagrachhari, and Rangamati MP Advocate Dipen Dewan, along with the deputy commissioners and police superintendents of the two districts.

The two sides reached an understanding on four demands, but disagreement over the remaining one prevented a settlement. The protesters have primarily demanded the removal of members of the Santu Larma-led PCJSS faction from Sajek.

The first phase of the blockade began on October 11, leaving around 1,500 tourists stranded. It was later withdrawn following administrative and law enforcement intervention. A second phase began on October 15 over allegations that the demands had not been met. The blockade was suspended until October 21 for Durga Puja and resumed indefinitely on October 22.

The Rangamati district administration subsequently closed Sajek Valley to visitors from October 22 until further notice and arranged for tourists to leave safely.