A clash broke out in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari on Sunday, defying Section 144 restrictions, and a fire was reported at Ramesu Market during the incident. Several shops and nearby homes, mostly belonging to hill residents, were damaged in the blaze.

The incident occurred around 1:00 pm, according to local sources. District Administrator Md. ABM Iftikharul Islam Khandakar said, “A detailed situation report will be provided after assessing the scene.”

The market is located about 100 yards from the Chattogram-Khagrachhari road. Videos and photos of the fire circulated widely on social media, showing the shops in flames.

Earlier, a group called ‘Jummo Chhatra Janata’ blocked the road despite the Section 144 order in force. When law enforcement officials asked them to lift the blockade, a verbal confrontation escalated into a clash, during which gunshots were reportedly heard. Several people, including members of law enforcement, were injured.

Efforts to reach Khagrachhari Police Superintendent Md. Arefin Jewel for comment were unsuccessful.

Section 144 had been imposed indefinitely in Guimara from Saturday to control the law-and-order situation. The directive was issued by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Irin Akhtar.

Currently, the situation in Guimara remains tense.