Sajek Valley in Rangamati remains largely deserted following violent clashes and a subsequent blockade that has disrupted daily life and tourism in the popular destination. The unrest began on Thursday after local groups imposed a road blockade on the Sajek-Rangamati Sadar route, citing three main demands, including the removal of an alleged armed faction linked to the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS).
The blockade was orchestrated by the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, representing village headmen. It has resulted in halted vehicular traffic for two consecutive days and the shuttering of most shops in the Ujo Bazar area. Many local residents have reportedly fled their homes out of fear of potential raids or interrogations by law enforcement agencies.
According to a resident of Ujo Bazar, ordinary villagers face intense scrutiny at roadblocks, prompting widespread anxiety. A leader of the local traders' association confirmed that numerous villagers have sought refuge with relatives, expressing apprehension about the current security environment.
Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee, claimed that approximately 100 individuals from their group were injured during the Thursday altercation, with eight sustaining critical wounds. He further alleged that law enforcement personnel obstructed access to medical treatment for the injured, though efforts were underway to provide care independently. Chakma emphasized the continuation of the blockade until their demands are addressed.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib described the situation as calm overall, noting that the blockade has limited public movement and vehicular traffic. He assured that those who left their homes or businesses would face no hindrances upon returning. Sajek Police Station’s officer-in-charge, Tofazzal Hossain, confirmed that joint operations between the army and police were ongoing to counter armed militant groups in the area. No formal charges related to the Thursday conflict had been filed as of early evening.
The blockade’s origins trace back to October 11, when the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee and Sajek Karbari Association first initiated an indefinite road closure to push their demands. After temporarily suspending the blockade following assurances from local authorities, they resumed protests on October 15. Although the blockade paused briefly during Durga Puja festivities, the groups announced its reinstatement beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday. In response, the local administration closed the tourist center and urged visitors to leave by 4:00 p.m.
On Thursday, security forces coordinated the evacuation of about 3,000 tourists stranded on the road leading out of Sajek, escorting them to Khagrachhari amid the clashes. The confrontation involved supporters of the blockade, law enforcement, and reportedly armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF). The encounter resulted in injuries to five army personnel and two police officers, according to SP Rakib.
The protestors’ demands include removing the alleged armed faction, halting death threats against civilians, and stopping house searches conducted by security forces. The unrest has notably impacted Sajek’s tourism sector. The Sajek Resort-Cottage Owners’ Association said around 120 resorts and cottages, capable of accommodating over 3,000 visitors, have experienced cancellations following the blockade. Business owners reported a sharp decline in bookings, with some warning of further losses if the situation remains unresolved.
In response to the downturn, various tourism organizations formed a human chain in Khagrachhari town to call for the reopening of Sajek’s tourist facilities and a return to normalcy in the area.