Graveyard dispute erupts into clash in Netrokona, injuring at least 50

At least 50 people were injured in a clash between two groups over control of and access to a graveyard in the Amgara area of Rongchati Union in Netrokona’s Kalmakanda upazila this morning.

The clash broke out between residents of Amgara and Puliya Paneshwarpada villages, leaving around 15 of the injured admitted to Kalmakanda Upazila Health Complex. Several shops and a structure in Amgara bazar were vandalised during the violence.

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Police from Kalmakanda Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. They said the situation is currently normal.

Dr Muhammad Al Mamun of Kalmakanda Upazila Health Complex told The Daily Star that around 50 injured people received treatment since Friday morning, with 15 admitted to hospital.

Doctors are struggling to cope with the sudden influx of patients, and all the injured are being treated as police cases, he added.

Locals said the dispute over the graveyard beside Amgara Bazar has been ongoing for a long time. Dulal Mia of Amgara village claimed the graveyard is public and used by people from eight surrounding villages. He alleged residents of Puliya Paneshwarpada were trying to use it exclusively.

On the other hand, Md Kalam of Puliya Paneshwarpada claimed the land documents and papers are in the names of people from their village, accusing Amgara residents of attempting to forcibly establish control.

Officer-in-Charge Md Mostafizur Rahman of Kalmakanda Police Station said the dispute escalated when Amgara villagers tried to set up shops next to the graveyard, prompting objections from Puliya Paneshwarpada residents.

Preliminary information indicates 50 to 60 people from both sides were injured, and three shops in Amgara Bazar and one auto-rickshaw were vandalised, the OC said.

Police have been deployed amid fears of further clashes, he added.