Rangamati: The road blockade on the tourist route to Sajek in Rangamati has been suspended for six days to allow Hindu devotees to celebrate Durga Puja.
The Sajek Karbari Association and Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee announced the suspension from 16 October to 21 October in a statement issued to the media on Thursday.
The statement was signed by Natun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association, and Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee.
The organisations said they had suspended the blockade following a request from the Sajek Machalong Bazar Durga Puja Celebration Committee and to show due respect for the religious festival.
Durga Puja will also be celebrated at Machalong Bazar in Sajek.
They clarified that the blockade was not being organised at the behest of any political party and was not directed against any ethnic group, religion or community.
They said the programme was called to protect the safety, lives and property of Sajek residents.
The two organisations warned that they would resume the blockade after Durga Puja if the administration failed to meet their demands.
They said details of any renewed programme would be announced through a press release in due course.
They also urged the administration to implement the three demands and conditions raised by the organisations and Sajek residents without delay and take steps to restore a peaceful environment in the area.