Fresh JSS-UPDF gunfire reported in Sajek as road blockade continues

Fresh gunfire between the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) was reported in Sajek today (1 November), while a transport strike kept road communication between Khagrachhari and Sajek suspended despite a one-day relaxation of a 10-day blockade.

The exchange of fire took place in the Langal Mara area of Sajek Union between 4pm and 5pm, according to Sajek Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Toffazzal Hossain.

No casualties were reported.

A similar exchange of fire was reported in the Kalabunia area of Sajek Union yesterday (31 October), between noon and 1pm.

The two groups are reportedly involved in a rivalry over territorial influence in the area. The PCJSS is led by Santu Larma, while the UPDF is led by Prasit Khisa.

However, Sajeeb Chakma, information and publicity secretary of the PCJSS, said he had not received any report of gunfire and denied the group’s involvement.

UPDF spokesperson Angya Marma also denied the allegation, saying the organisation had no armed wing and was a democratic political organisation that participated directly and indirectly in national and local elections.

A local resident from the Bhaibonchhara area, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the latest gunfire had left residents frightened, with many avoiding going outside unless necessary.

Meanwhile, the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rakkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association had relaxed their blockade for one day on 1 November after enforcing it for 10 consecutive days since 22 October.

In a joint statement issued on 30 October, the two organisations said the blockade would be relaxed for one day, considering the basic needs of residents in Sajek. They also announced that the indefinite blockade would resume afterwards.

However today, transport owners and workers called a dawn-to-dusk strike, demanding that the road be reopened permanently rather than for just one day.

As a result, vehicle movement remained suspended on the Khagrachhari-Dighinala, Marishya, Sajek and Langadu routes from 6am to 6pm. Transport workers placed tree trunks at several points, including the Supari Bagan area of the Khagrachhari-Dighinala road, to enforce the strike.

Swapan Chakma, a line manager at the Khagrachhari-Dighinala bus station, said the strike had been called jointly by transport owners and workers and that vehicles would resume operation tomorrow (2 November).

Mohammad Jasim, a line manager at the Baghaihat-Sajek station, said all types of vehicle movement to Sajek had remained suspended due to the strike.

Bonobihari Chakma, a member of Ward 7 of Sajek Union Parishad, said the two organisations had relaxed the blockade for one day, but the transport strike had kept vehicles off the roads since morning.