Khagrachhari blockade suspended until Oct 5

 
The Jumma Chhatra Janata has suspended its blockade in Khagrachhari until Oct 5, following four days of protests. In a media statement issued at 9pm on Tuesday via their Facebook page, the group announced the decision. The statement said the suspension came after receiving assurance from the authorities to implement eight key demands, and in respect of the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.

The statement also said the protests had been initiated following the "gang-rape" of a schoolgirl from the Jumma community in Khagrachhari on Sept 23.

The group had demanded swift arrests of the perpetrators and exemplary punishment.

On Monday, a six-member delegation from the group participated in a law and order meeting convened by the Khagrachhari district administrator. During the meeting, the delegation presented their eight demands, which the authorities assured would be met.

Authorities also confirmed that, in the event of the blockade being lifted, Section 144, which had been imposed, would be withdrawn. Later, a five-member investigation committee was formed to probe the incident in Guimara.

After a meeting with the Jumma representatives, key officials, including the district council chief, DC, SP, and the Upazila administrator of Guimara, visited the affected area in Guimara.

Meanwhile, the Khagrachari district administration has formed a five-member committee to investigate the recent incident at Guimara upazila of the district.

Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandker on Tuesday revealed the information while talking to journalists after a relief distribution programme at the upazila.

In his speech, he said that they visited the area right after the incident, and today they have come again with relief materials to stand beside the victims. 

The injured have already been sent to Chattogram for improved treatment, while the process of rehabilitating the families of the deceased is on, he added.

"The district administration has formed the committee to ensure a fair investigation," he said. 
"We have also held meetings with protesters. We are working for a peaceful solution through discussions. Among the eight demands raised by the protesters, we have already started working on seven," he added. 

Regarding the withdrawal of section 144, the deputy commissioner said, "We are also considering their demand to lift section 144. But the ongoing blockade is the main obstacle. Once the blockade is withdrawn and we will also lift the restriction."