The demands include implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord signed on December 2, 1997, removal of CHT Development Board Chairman Wadud Bhuiyan MP, withdrawal of army, Armed Police Battalion (APBN), ansar and VDP camps from the hill region and inclusion of an indigenous person as CHT affairs minister in the cabinet.

The PCJSS started agitation afresh after Mohalchhari arson attack allegedly by Bangalee settlers. It enforced a 72-hour road blockade programme in the three hill districts last week.

Sources said Bangalee settlers under the banner of Somo Odhikar Parishad are preparing to launch an anti-hartal programme in Khagrachhari.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in three hill districts -- Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban -- to maintain law and order during hartal hours.