Bangaon, Apr 12 (UNI) At least 12 people were injured in clashes between rival trade union groups in North 24 Parganas' Petrapol area, suspending international trade for more than two hours today.

While four of the injured were admitted to Bangaon Sub-Divisional hospital, one of them was later referred to city hospital, police said.

The clash occurred when a group of workers, having allegiance to Bharatiya Majdoor Sangh trade union, attacked a rival group belonging to CITU. Both groups operate in this area.

CITU unit here claimed that seven of their men were injured in the incident. On the other hand, BMS claimed that five of their people have sustained injuries in the clash.

Official sources said a group of labourers, having allegiance to BMS, earlier demanded jobs of loading and unloading sharing from the groups already engaged in the job, which the latter objected.

An amicable settlement was made following the intervention of sub-divisional authorities to engage at least 12 such labourers from the BMS group for the job by turn.

However, BMS workers alleged that they had been humiliated and attacked by the rival group from time to time and today's clashes were the result of that rivalry.

The police said no arrests had been made. However, a number of FIRs have been lodged by the warring groups.

Sub-Divisional Officer Subhendu Ghosh said trade union leaders concerned would be summoned to bring an end to the existing dispute.

UNI XC LL HS HS2048