The local administration has imposed section 144 prohibiting mass gathering at Mouriganj in Sonaimuri upazila following a clash between two groups of villagers on Monday 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.As a sequel to the Sunday’s clash, a group of people, numbering 200, of Deuti village launched an attack in Mouriganj Bazar at about 8:30am and torched 12 shops there.They also looted valuables from the shops at that time.On information, police and administrators 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.Later, a fire fighting unit extinguished the blaze after one hour of frantic efforts. UNB, Noakhali
