Khagrachhari blockade suspended until Oct 5, with assurance of demands being met

The announcement by Jumma Chhatra Janata comes in a media statement on Facebook

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also confirmed that, in the event of the blockade being lifted, Section 144, which had been imposed, would be withdrawn.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.