An indefinite blockade on the Khagrachhari-Sajek road in Sajek Valley, Rangamati, was partially relaxed on Sunday by two UPDF-backed organisations, while another group enforced a counter-blockade, disrupting traffic movement in the area.
On the 11th day of the blockade, light vehicles were seen travelling between Baghaihat Bazar and the Sajek tourist spot, allowing residents to buy essential commodities from the market.
However, no vehicles were seen travelling from Dighinala and Baghaichhari in Khagrachhari to Sajek.
The Sajek Gono Odhikar Rakkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association, backed by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), have been enforcing the blockade since 22 October.
Citing humanitarian considerations, the two organisations announced a temporary relaxation of the blockade from morning to evening on Sunday.
However, the Parbatya Chattagram Rakkha Committee rejected the announcement and called a counter-blockade on the Sajek road.
Transport owners and workers also announced a temporary suspension of vehicle operations.
As a result, protesters obstructed vehicles heading towards Sajek from Khagrachhari, Baghaichhari and Langadu from Sunday morning.
They blocked several points along the road by placing tree trunks and setting tyres on fire, causing further suffering for commuters.
The two organisations had called the blockade, demanding that members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) be driven out of the area.
They announced that they would resume the blockade on Monday after the temporary relaxation ended on Sunday.
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