Coal mine area wears a deserted look
Rival faction sues 150, police restrict movement of locals
Seven villages around Barapukuria coal mine give a deserted look as residents remained indoors since Saturday. The law enforcers restricted movement of people in the area after a series of factional clashes between land subsistence victims.Photo: STAR
At least 150 people of different villages around Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd (BCMCL) were sued on Saturday night following the factional fight between two groups over compensation issue. The case was filed by Ibrahim Khalil, convenor of Jibon O Shampad Rakkha Committee, identifying 23 accused, Parbatipur police said. Meanwhile normal life in the area paralysed as law enforcing agencies have restricted people's movement. Educational activities came to a halt as schools and colleges remained shut after the clashes. The book distribution programme also remained suspended, said sources at the upazila education office. The clashes erupted on Friday night between two factions of land subsidence victims of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Ltd and continued till Saturday afternoon leaving at least 50 people injured. About 100 members of Rab and riot police were deployed on Saturday to tackle the situation. The law enforcers took position at Barapukuria Bazaar, compelling the business hub of the area to remain shut since Friday night. During the clashes, the supporters of both factions-- Jibon O Shampad Rakkha Committee and Bhumi O Shampad Rakkha Committee-- looted roadside shops and set fire to valuables, witnesses said. Police said that the situation in the area is still tense. “A curfew like situation is prevailing as police and members of other law enforcing agencies restricted movement of the people,” said a local. People of seven villages remained indoors since Saturday's violence, he added.
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