Gunfire between PCJSS, UPDF spreads fear in Sajek

A two-hour long shootout has taken place between Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samity (PCJSS) and United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) over establishing dominance in the remote hilly area of Sajek in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari tourist zone.

The clash began in Sajek’s Kolabuniya area around 1pm on Saturday.

The lengthy shootout has spread fear among local residents and tourists and has created a tense situation in the area. However, no casualty has been reported yet.

According to police, a longstanding strife has been persisting between the main groups of JSS and UPDF over establishing supremacy in Sajek and nearby hilly areas. The tension led the armed members of the two groups to take face-to-face positions and exchange gunfire in Sajek’s Kolabuniya area on Saturday noon.

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Confirming the matter, Officer-in-Charge of Sajek police station Tofazzal Hossain said, “The shootout between the two regional groups began in the remote Kolabuniya area around 1pm on Saturday. Police could not enter the area immediately due to its remoteness and risky location.”

“The police and the joint security forces are preparing to enter the area to protect law and order and control the overall situation,” the OC added.

Asked about the matter, Rangamati Superintendent of Police (SP) Muhammad Abdur Rakib said, “We have been informed about the shooting between the two groups. However, we are yet to confirm which groups are exchanging gunfire. The law enforcement agencies are alert on the issue.”

Statements from any of the two fighting groups could not be ascertained.