'Authorities failed to meet demands': Sajek road blockade to resume on 22 Oct

Two organisations in Sajek have announced an indefinite road blockade from tomorrow (22 October), accusing the authorities of failing to meet three demands, including the removal of armed members of the JSS (Santu) group from the area.

The Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association announced the programme in a joint statement issued today, signed by their leaders Babudhan Chakma and Natun Joy Chakma.

According to the statement, the organisations first enforced a blockade on the Sajek tourist road on 11 October, demanding the removal of armed JSS members allegedly stationed in different parts of Sajek.

The blockade was later suspended after the Baghaichhari Zone deputy commander, Salman, and the administration assured the organisations that their three-point demand would be met within 48 hours.

The organisations resumed the blockade on 15 October, alleging that the administration had failed to fulfil the demands and broken its assurances, the statement said.

The blockade was then suspended from 16 to 21 October at the request of the Durga Puja celebration committees of Baghaichhari and Machalong markets, in view of the festival.

In their latest statement, the organisations alleged that armed JSS members remained in their previous positions and were openly active in Thalkumbho, Chillyatuli Kuthi, Noapara, Lambabak and Bhuachhari areas of Machalong under the leadership of company commanders Chinu Marma and Simon Chakma.

The leaders claimed that more than 100 locals had been threatened with death and forced to leave their homes. They also alleged that villagers' mobile phones had been confiscated and that fear of the armed group had prevented Jum cultivators from tending their turmeric and broom-grass gardens.

The organisations accused the army of conducting "showpiece operations" without taking action against the armed group. They further alleged that the army was harassing people protesting against the group's alleged abuses under the guise of conducting operations.

The organisations said the blockade would continue until the armed JSS members were removed from the area to ensure residents' safety and protect their lives and property.

They urged tourists visiting Sajek to leave the area by 21 October.

Fire service vehicles, ambulances, hearses, vehicles carrying emergency medicines and newspapers, and vehicles used by journalists on reporting assignments will be exempt from the blockade, the statement said.

The organisations also called on local residents and all concerned to help make the programme a success.