Clash breaks out over fishing in Mithamoin haor, 30 injured

A clash broke out between supporters of a current and a former union parishad member in Mithamoin, Kishoreganj, over fishing in a haor and the alleged theft of ring nets. At least 30 people from both sides were injured.

The incident took place Friday morning in Imam Nagar village of Ward No. 8 under Bairati Union in the upazila.

Locals said a dispute had been ongoing for several days between relatives of current union parishad member Hannan Mia and former union parishad member Abdul Latif over fishing in the haor and allegations of ring net theft. To resolve the dispute, Bairati Union Parishad Chairman Tajul Islam and local community leaders took the initiative to hold an arbitration meeting in the village Friday morning.

However, before the arbitration discussion began, people from both sides engaged in a clash in a field in front of the village with machetes, spears and tangas. At least 30 people from both sides were injured. Locals said the injured were taken to different hospitals.

Bairati Union Parishad Chairman Tajul Islam said he went to Imam Nagar village for an arbitration meeting to resolve the dispute between the two sides. He said the two sides became involved in a clash before discussions could begin in the presence of community leaders. The clash was later brought under control through the collective efforts of everyone present. The situation is currently under control.

Assistant Superintendent of Police of Ashtagram Circle Md Didarul Islam said police were sent to the scene after receiving the news. The situation is currently normal. He said necessary action will be taken after an investigation if a complaint is filed.