Panicked villagers flee area

Hundreds of people of Paikpara village under Manoharpur union in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenidah have left the area with their belongings fearing attack by rivals following Sunday’s clash that left 50 people including 10 women injured and about 20 houses vandalized.

During a visit to the village, this correspondent saw a large number of policemen deployed there to evade further untoward incident while many people were seen leaving with their cattle, paddy, onion, garlic, jute and other things on three-wheelers and rickshaw-vans.

The fleeing people said they do not feel safe after the clash between two factions of local Awami League, one led by union parishad member Israil Hossain and the other led by Motiar Rahman at the village.

The villagers fear that another clash might occur if seriously injured Pachiran Nesa who has been referred to Kushtia Medical College Hospital loses her battle for life.

Fearing attack and looting, some people are selling their cattle and household things for low prices.

“We are leaving the village as a bloody clash might occur again. Around 100 families have already left the village and taken shelter at relatives’ houses elsewhere,” said an elderly man, seeking anonymity.

Shailkupa Police Station OC Bazlur Rahman said, “A large number of policemen men have been deployed in the village and we assured the locals of adequate safety measures. Still some people are spreading rumour to create panic and fulfil their desire.”