Local sources say there has been a long-standing conflict between former Upazila Awami League Vice President and former Chairman of Umarpur Union Golam Kibria, along with local Awami League leader Shafiqul Islam's followers, and former UP member Haji Nur Hossain's faction. It is claimed that this conflict has previously led to multiple clashes, attacks, vandalism, looting, death threats, and several murders.
According to residents, a new case was filed in the Sylhet court on June 28 by Haji Nur Hossain's side alleging attacks on houses, looting, and display of illegal weapons. However, despite several mediations, no permanent solution to the dispute has been reached.
Locals also said that although the situation calmed down somewhat after the political change on August 5 last year, tensions have risen again in the area following the recent reactivation of the involved parties.
Allegations have been made that over the past 15 days, several houses have been attacked, vandalized, looted, and public arms drills conducted. It is alleged that on May 31, Haji Nur Hossain's house, and on June 24, caretaker Subodh Sutradhar's house were attacked, vandalized, and fired upon. Additionally, on June 26, the only access road to Subodh Sutradhar's house was allegedly blocked by building a wall.
Locals claim that CCTV footage shows several people holding weapons. The complainants have also accused them of being involved in various criminal activities.
Subodh Sutradhar alleges that although the police visited the scene, they did not take effective action. He claims that after the police left, the attackers again carried out vandalism and blocked the road.
However, Golam Kibria has denied these allegations. He said he is currently in Dhaka for medical treatment and has no involvement in the incident. He demanded an impartial investigation.
Regarding this, the Additional Superintendent of Police of Sylhet and the officer in charge of the Osmaninagar circle said that preliminary evidence of arms drills and firing has been found. However, sensing the presence of police, the accused fled through the adjacent haor area. The matter is being investigated seriously and higher authorities have been informed.
To control the situation, locals have demanded the establishment of a permanent police camp in Sikandarpur Paschimgaon, a special operation to recover illegal weapons, the swift arrest of the accused, and an impartial investigation into the recent incidents.
