A video capturing a young man openly carrying a firearm during a half-day road blockade in the hill district of Khagrachari has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and concern. The blockade was called under the banner of the 'Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad' to protest alleged attacks, vandalism, and clashes during a previous transport disruption in Sajek of Rangamati, expressing solidarity with the local residents.
The strike program was officially announced last Thursday afternoon through a press statement issued by Nirmal Chakma, the organizing secretary of the organization. As the half-day shutdown commenced on Saturday morning, tensions escalated significantly along key regional communication routes, leading to disruptions and security challenges in the hilly terrain.
The widely circulated one-minute and twenty-five-second video footage shows logs and bamboo set on fire to block the Chattogram-Khagrachari highway, with groups of young people gathered on both sides of the road. Amidst the blockade, three tribal youths were seen riding a motorcycle past the burning barricade, with the rear passenger—dressed in a black t-shirt and shorts—clearly brandishing a firearm.
Further analysis of the video reveals that the motorcycle turned off the main highway onto a rural dirt road, where another group of youths was already waiting with an additional motorcycle. Several other individuals were seen walking around the vicinity. Later, the armed youth and another passenger dismounted, and both motorcycles departed, leaving the armed individual behind with the local group.
Local residents have expressed deep concern over the brazen display of arms during a public demonstration, prompting law enforcement agencies to review the footage and initiate efforts to identify the culprits. Authorities have assured that stringent legal measures will be taken against those involved in creating public panic and carrying illegal weapons, while security patrols have been intensified across sensitive points in the district.
