SIRAJGANJ, Aug. 14 -- More than 1,000 people formed a human chain in Belkuchi upazila on Friday demanding an end to alleged extortion, abductions and terrorist activities on the Jamuna River.

Boat owners and workers, along with residents of 27 villages in Belkuchi, Tangail Sadar and Chauhali upazilas, took part in the programme in the Khidra Champia area of Belkuchi.

The participants accused a group known locally as the "Salam Bahini" of creating fear in the area and carrying out extortion and other criminal activities on the river.

Speakers alleged that Salam and his associates Rubel, Kawsar Alam, Masud and Habib have been conducting armed patrols on motorised boats on the Jamuna after dusk.

They also alleged that the group has been ...