Around 3,000 tourists were stranded in Sajek Valley in Rangamati on Thursday, October 22. A road blockade turned tense, and the army and police escorted the visitors out safely.
How The Blockade Began
Two local forums, the Sajek Gono Adhikar Raksha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, called an indefinite blockade on the Sajek-Baghaihat road. It started at 6 am on Thursday. One of their three demands was the removal of armed Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) members from Sajek. They had urged tourists to leave by Wednesday.
Stones And Gunfire
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), blockaders stopped tourist vehicles at around 10 am. Around 10:45 am, protesters allegedly began throwing bricks and stones at law enforcers and tourists. Around 11 am in the Gangaram Bazar area, armed United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) members allegedly fired about 30 to 40 rounds. The ISPR said an army patrol returned fire in self-defence and to protect the tourists. No casualties were reported.
Evacuation To Khagrachhari
The army and police jointly escorted the stranded visitors to Khagrachhari. The ISPR said preliminary findings suggest the blockade and violence were pre-planned. It also alleged that locals were forced to take part and used as human shields.
UPDF Denies The Account
The UPDF rejected the ISPR version. Its spokesperson, Angya Marma, said no evidence was found, after speaking with local people, that a gunfight between security forces and any armed group took place.
Tourism Suspended
The Rangamati district administration has banned tourist visits to Sajek from Thursday until further notice, citing the security situation. For now, the ISPR’s account and the UPDF’s denial remain unreconciled. Travellers planning trips to the hill destination should wait for official clearance.
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