Sajek blockade to continue as talks fail over removal timeline of armed Santu faction
Sajek Road Blockade Continues After Talks Fail
Bdbusinessdaily.com – The Sajek blockade to continue as talks between government representatives and local groups failed to resolve a dispute over the timeline for removing armed members of the Santu faction from the area. The indefinite blockade on the Sajek tourist road remains in place following the meeting in Ujo Bazar, Baghaichhari, on 26 October.
Government representatives sought three weeks to complete the removal process, while local organisers demanded that action begin within five days. The Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association said they would reconsider their deadline only if authorities showed visible progress.
Five-point demands raised by residents
The meeting began at around 3pm and involved officials as well as representatives of Sajek residents. Local groups presented several demands related to security, alleged violence, arrests and the situation facing residents and businesses.
They called for action against those accused of attacking peaceful demonstrators on 22 October. The groups also demanded punishment and transfer outside the Chittagong Hill Tracts for two army officers accused of leading the incident.
Other demands included withdrawing a case against 30 named people and 1,000 unnamed accused, conducting an impartial judicial investigation, compensating traders whose shops were allegedly damaged or looted, and covering medical expenses for people said to have been injured by army personnel.
The organisers further demanded the withdrawal of army and police personnel from Ujo Bazar. At the centre of their campaign is the removal of armed members of the Santu faction of the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, or JSS, from Sajek.
Residents cite threats and disruption
Organisers alleged that armed group members appeared near Machalong Army Camp on 31 August. They said residents had since faced threats, random gunfire and extortion demands targeting jhum cultivators.
The groups also alleged that mobile phones were seized, movement was restricted and bunkers were dug inside the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. They demanded an end to alleged violence, extortion, arrests, harassment and searches of protesters’ homes and businesses.
The Sajek blockade to continue as talks failed to bridge the gap between the two proposed timelines. Residents say the issue affects daily travel, livelihoods, trade and the safety of communities along the route, not only tourists visiting Sajek.
Blockade resumed after earlier pauses
Residents first began the indefinite road blockade on 11 October, saying earlier appeals to the military administration had not led to the removal of the armed group. The blockade was temporarily suspended after the army requested more time, but it resumed on 15 October.
It was paused again during Durga Puja before restarting on 22 October. Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee, led the residents’ delegation, while Wadud Bhuiyan, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and MP for Khagrachhari, headed the government team.
For now, the Sajek blockade to continue as talks remain unresolved. A revised timetable and clear action by authorities may be needed to restore confidence and bring the parties back to negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Sajek road blockade continuing?
Local groups say talks failed because government representatives requested three weeks to remove armed members of the Santu faction, while organisers demanded visible action within five days.
When did the blockade begin?
Residents began the indefinite blockade on 11 October. It was suspended and resumed several times, including after Durga Puja, before restarting on 22 October.
Who took part in the latest talks?
The residents’ side was led by Babudhan Chakma, while the government delegation was headed by Wadud Bhuiyan, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and MP for Khagrachhari.