Prohibitory orders remained in force in Panchla

Howrah (PTI): Prohibitory orders remained in force in Panchla police station area of Howrah district on Tuesday where markets were closed and roads wore a deserted look following yesterday's clash between two groups in which 25 houses were torched and 30 shops ransacked.

However, the first day's Higher Secondary examinations began smoothly at the HS centres in the area with the authorities relaxing the prohibitory orders, under section 144 CrPC, for the candidates.

District Magistrate Khalil Ahmed said he had visited the centres to oversee arrangements and there was no complaint. Five buses were kept at Panchla police station for ferrying the candidates if they faced any difficulty, he said.

Eight persons were arrested in connection with yesterday's clash at Panchla bazar and neighbouring areas, SP N K Singh said. A police picket was posted in the area as RAF personnel were kept on stand-by.

Shops and markets in other parts of Panchla remained closed while fewer people ventured out. Vehicular movement along National Highway six, passing through the area, was not hit.

Yesterday clashes broke out between two groups in Mirbazar, Ranihati and Khalisani villages of Panchla following a dispute at a jewellery shop at Mirbazar the previous night. The administration imposed prohibitory orders since last afternoon.