Govt Must Move to Establish Control Over Sajek

Nearly 3,000 tourists were stranded in Sajek Valley on Thursday following a road blockade called by the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. Considering their safety, police and army personnel arranged to escort them to Khagrachhari town under special security arrangements.

When the convoy reached Ujo Bazar in Sajek, the protesters stopped it, leaving the tourists stranded for about an hour and a half. When police and army personnel tried to move them to safety, the protesters allegedly threw bricks and stones at the security forces, injuring six members of the law enforcement agencies.

According to the Rangamati Superintendent of Police, gunfire was directed at vehicles carrying tourists and law enforcement personnel while the authorities were trying to bring the situation under control and evacuate the tourists. He alleged that members of an armed group of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened fire.

The law enforcement personnel were forced to return fire to protect the tourists, government property and people’s lives and property. No casualties were reported in the exchange of gunfire. The superintendent of police said the administration had brought the law and order situation in the area under control.

The nearly 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek were safely evacuated under special security provided by police and the army. Police said legal action would be taken against those involved in the armed attacks.

Conflict Over Control of Sajek Threatens Tourism

Sajek Union in Baghaichhari Upazila of Rangamati district is renowned for its hills and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination in the northern part of Rangamati, near the borders of India’s Mizoram and Tripura states. Often called the “Roof of Rangamati”, Sajek attracts thousands of visitors every year. Numerous resorts have been built to accommodate tourists, making tourism a major source of income for the area.

Tourist arrivals have increased with the start of the tourism season. Against this backdrop, reports of armed attacks involving the UPDF have raised serious concerns. The violence has made the tourist destination unsafe and spread fear among visitors.

There have long been reports that the UPDF has maintained its dominance in the area. The Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti, known as JSS (Santu), has been trying to expand its influence. The latest blockade on the Sajek tourist road is linked to the rivalry between the two organisations over control of the area.

The latest blockade was the third phase of an indefinite shutdown that began on Thursday morning. The Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, both known to be aligned with the UPDF, called the blockade.

The two organisations first began a blockade on October 11 but suspended it following assurances from the administration. They resumed the blockade on October 15, alleging that their demands had not been met. Their leaders accused armed members of JSS (Santu) of openly patrolling different locations and intimidating local residents and jum cultivators. They said the movement would continue until the security of the hill people was fully ensured and armed activities were stopped.

These developments indicate that the conflict has stemmed from the rivalry between the two organisations over control of Sajek. The UPDF had reportedly maintained control over extortion and local influence for years. JSS (Santu) is now expanding its presence and putting the UPDF under pressure. It has reportedly brought large parts of Sajek under its control, prompting the UPDF to engage in clashes with JSS in an attempt to regain its influence.

According to the article, the UPDF has been placing the blame on the government and putting pressure on the authorities after losing ground. Observers warn that the conflict could destabilise the wider Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Sajek’s location near the Indian border adds to the security concerns. Allegations have long circulated that India provides shelter and support to armed and separatist groups seeking to destabilise the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These allegations include claims that India provides such groups with weapons, training and safe havens.

The groups have also been accused of involvement in various crimes in the hills, including murder, kidnapping, robbery and extortion. They allegedly cross into India for shelter after committing such crimes. Myanmar’s Rakhine State is also relatively close to the area, and armed groups are said to receive training and support from there.

As a result, the rivalry between the two organisations over control of Sajek is intensifying, making the valley increasingly unsafe for tourists.

Intelligence Failure Raises Questions

The conflict between the two organisations and the shooting at a convoy carrying tourists have caused serious concern and fear. Analysts believe intelligence failures may have contributed to the incident, saying the agencies failed to collect accurate information in advance. They argue that timely preventive measures could have prevented the violence and that the government must also bear responsibility for the failure.

Opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman has also raised questions about intelligence failures. He asked, “What is happening around Sajek?” He called for clear action based on accurate intelligence rather than relying on false intelligence reports.

Clashes between the UPDF and JSS (Santu) are frequent in Sajek, putting security at risk. Analysts say the government must take effective steps to establish control, ensure security and maintain stability in the area. The presence of law enforcement agencies must be strengthened, and there is no room for negligence.

The aim should not be to witness government failure or to support repression. What is needed is peace. The people living in the hills should be able to coexist in harmony and mutual respect. That is what everyone hopes for.