Nearly Two Hours of Gunfire Between UPDF and JSS Groups in Sajek's Kalabunia, No Casualties Reported

Gunfire lasting nearly two hours took place in the Kalabunia area of Sajek in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati. The gunfire was reported on Saturday (October 31) afternoon. According to the report, the exchange was between the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, and the armed group of the Jana Sanghati Samiti, led by Santu Larma, over establishing dominance in the area.

Villagers panicked during the gunfire. No casualties were reported. Local residents said the gunfire took place over establishing dominance in the area.

Police sources said the clash began from a dispute between the two groups over establishing sole dominance in the area. The prolonged gunfire spread panic among local people. Police sources also said that, as it is a remote hill area, no news of casualties had been received so far.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib said he had received reports of gunfire between two groups. However, who exactly was involved in the gunfire had not yet been confirmed. He said law enforcement forces remained active.

Tension had already been running in Sajek before this incident. An indefinite blockade is currently under way on the Sajek road, called by two UPDF shadow organisations, the Sajek Gonoadhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. The two organisations allege that members of the Santu Larma-led Jana Sanghati Samiti have taken up armed positions in various villages of Sajek, leaving villagers in panic.

To avoid a possible clash, the two organisations are continuing the blockade demanding the removal of the armed group from the villages, according to the report.

On October 26, leaders of the two organisations met at Ujo Bazar in Sajek with the two members of parliament from Rangamati and Khagrachhari, along with officials of the district administration and police administration. In the discussion, compromise was reached on four of five demands, but leaders could not give an immediate decision on removing the armed group. As a result, the Sajek crisis has not yet been resolved.

Last month, too, several people including a child were injured in gunfire between the two organisations, according to the report. While no new casualties were reported in Saturday's gunfire, panic among villagers in the Kalabunia area was reported, and the Superintendent of Police said law enforcement forces remained active.