Section 144 as shops torched

The local administration has imposed Section 144 prohibiting mass gathering at Mouriganj in Sonaimuri upazila following a clash between two groups of villagers yesterday morning.
The restriction will remain in force for an indefinite period from 10.00am of the day.
Locals said, the clash ensued as a chase and counter-chase took place between people of two villages-- Surhali and Deuti-- on Sunday afternoon over establishing supremacy in the area.
As a sequel to the Sunday's clash, a group of people, numbering around 200, of Deuti village launched an attack in Mouriganj Bazar at about 8:30am yesterday and torched 12 shops there.
They also looted valuables from the shops at that time.
On information, police and administration officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control, said Abdus Samad, officer in-charge of Sonaimuri police station.
Apprehending further clash, executive magistrate Dr Rahima Khatun slapped the ban on all types of gathering in the bazar and around to maintain law and order in the area.
A fire fighting unit extinguished the blaze at the bazar after one hour of frantic efforts.