Two supporters of rival Dakshin Ulania union chairperson candidates were killed in a clash in Barishal's Mehendiganj upazila early yesterday.

At least 10 people from the groups were also injured and eight houses were vandalised during the clash that took place in the union's Sultani village, said Abul Kalam, officer-in-charge of Mehendiganj Police Station.

Additional Superintendent of Police in Barishal Mohammad Shahjahan Khan led a police team to the spot to diffuse the tension, said Barishal Superintendent of Police Maruf Hossain.

Additional Rab and police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, confirmed Deputy Commissioner Md Zasim Uddin Haider.

The deceased were identified as Saiful Sardar, 28, son of Abdul Jabbar of Asha village in Dakshin Ulania, and Sayd Chowdhury, 35, son of Kaiyum Chowdhury of Paschim Sultani village.

Nine people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, said Mehendiganj Circle SP Sukumar Roy.

Locals said Ulania union was divided into North and South Ulania, and clashes have been taking place since the start of campaigning for the union parishad polls last November.

Later, after a writ petition was filed against the demarcation, the High Court on December 6 last year directed suspension of the elections.

OC Abul Kalam said the two groups had clashed at Kaliganj Bazar on Saturday afternoon. Later, around 4:00am on Sunday morning, hundreds of Milon Chowdhury's supporters attacked the Sultani village in southern Ulania with sticks and sharp weapons, vandalising homes and injuring at least 10 people.

Supporters of Ruma Begum then chased them, he said.

Saiful Chowdhury, a supporter of Ruma Begum, was seriously injured and died on the spot.

Milon Chowdhury's supporter Sayed Chowdhury died on the way to Barishal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital yesterday noon, Mehendiganj Circle SP Sukumar Roy confirmed.

"The operation is continuing, the situation is currently under control," he said.

This incident has been discussed in the district law and order meeting.

Barishal Superintendent of Police Maruf Hossain said there would be no concession for those who engaged in the clash.

Sultani village is now nearly empty, with villagers telling The Daily Star that they fear further clashes and harassment from police.