Biratnagar, January 6:

The agitating jute mill workers indulged in clashes among themselves today as their week-long stir was thrown into disarray.

Eighteen workers were injured when the agitating groups resorted to shutting down the Biratnagar-based JD Apparels and clashed with the workers there at 2:15 pm.

Further damages were averted as the police reached the scene on time and took things under control.

The rift ensued as the agitators began to pelt stones at themselves, according to the Apparels.

Bidur Pokharel, the Apparels manager, alleged that the row was sparked by the issue of industry closure without a prior notice.

The bandh supporters also vandalised a motorbike at Katahari.

The wounded workers, most of them sustaining injuries on the head, hands and legs, returned home after treatment.

Meanwhile, the agitating workers’ unions, which gathered at CPN-UML office in Morang, have decided to intensify the agitation by shutting down all the industries.