Law Minister Anisul Huq on Saturday said the violence during the ongoing Union Parishad (UP) elections happened largely because of personal and factional conflicts, and land-related disputes.

Anisul, also in-charge of the parliamentary affairs of the Election Commission, said this in response to a tabled question from Jatiya Party's MP Liakot Hossain Khoka elected from Narayanganj-3.

He said several print and electronic media ran reports on election-related violence after the first and second rounds of UP elections across the country.

Also read: 2nd phase of UP polls marred by violence; 6 dead

“These are the main reasons -- personal and group conflicts, land disputes -- why violence happened during elections. Various opportunists or groups are trying to resort to violence against minority groups, women and children,” he said.

The minister said the Election Commission is alert and vigilant about the election-related violence.

“Strict instructions have been given to law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order. The Election Commission has written a letter to the government department concerned requesting it to take necessary steps to remain vigilant about the violence,” said the law minister.

Also read: UP polls creating panic instead of festivity: GM Quader

He said necessary instructions have also been given to election officials in this regard.

Besides, Anisul Huq said, a letter has been sent to the Home Ministry to inform the commission about the steps taken by the police so far.