The sine die road blockade went on at Sajek in Rangamati for the 2nd consecutive day on Friday with joint forces maintaining patrols to keep the law-and-order situation there under control.
The blockade was jointly imposed by Sajek Ganadhikar Rakkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association to press home their three demands, including the immediate removal of armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) from the area and ensuring the security of local residents.
However, there was no report of any untoward incident unlike Thursday when members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened fire while the Army and police were evacuating stranded tourists from Sajek Valley in Bagaichari upazila.
The protesters said the blockade will continue indefinitely until their key demands are met.
Army, police, and other law enforcement agencies have been working jointly to ensure the safety of people staying in Sajek and maintain peace in the area.
Rangamati Police Super Muhd. Abdur Rakib said security measures were strengthened to restore normalcy in Sajek. Joint forces will continue necessary operations against criminals and armed groups to prevent any untoward incidents, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad has announced a half-day road and waterway blockade in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts from 5am to noon on Saturday in support of the ongoing movement in Sajek.
In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, its President Ushatan Chakma confirmed the decision, expressing full solidarity with the legitimate demands of Sajek residents.
Considering public suffering and humanitarian concerns, the organisers have exempted certain emergency services from the blockade.
Ambulances, vehicles carrying patients, fire service vehicles, transport carrying emergency medicine supplies and vehicles used by journalists on reporting assignments will remain outside the purview of the blockade during the half-day blockade, they said.
Earlier on Thursday, nearly 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley were evacuated with the help of the Army and police amid the indefinite road blockade.
Armed UPDF members allegedly opened fire on tourists and members of law enforcement agencies during the evacuation.