Clash over land dispute in Mymensingh; Section 144 imposed

Local administration today (4 June) imposed emergency section 144 in Nandail upazila of Mymensingh district after a clash that broke out between two groups over a land dispute.

Azharul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Nandail Model Police Station, said there had been long standing enmity between Abdul Rouf Mahajan of Kharua village and Shawkat Ali, son of Kutub Uddin Nayeb of Narendra Pur village over the ownership of two decimals of land.

The matter is also under trial in court.

On Wednesday morning, Shawkat Ali attempted to construct a house on the disputed land, which was demolished by Abdul Rouf. A tense situation has been created over the issue.

Later, Abdur Rouf lodged a complaint in this connection on Wednesday morning, forcing law enforcers to deploy additional law enforcing members in the area.

As a sequel to the enmity, a clash ensued between two groups of villagers over the ownership of a piece of land at Khaura Bazar around 11am. At one stage, both groups equipped with bamboo sticks, locally made weapons and bricks attacked each other.

A number of shops were vandalised and looted during the clash.

Mahfuzur Rahman, son of Abdur Rouf claimed that attempts were made to forcibly construct a house on their land, and their shops were vandalised and goods worth around Tk 15 lakh were looted.

However, Shwakat Ali said the disputed land is his legally purchased property and he was constructing a house lawfully when it was demolished by Abdul Rouf’s group.

He also alleged that his brother’s shop was later attacked and vandalised by supporters of Abul Kashem and Zahirul Islam Ratan.

Nandail Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Azharul Islam said police fired eight rounds of blank rubber bullets to disperse the clashing groups.

“The situation is now under control. Police and RAB personnel have been deployed, and legal action will be taken,” he said.

On information, police rushed to the spot and fired eight rounds of blank rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.

Nandail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatema Jannat said section 144 was imposed from 12 pm on Thursday to maintain law and order which will remain in force until further instructions.