SANGHAR, Sept 18: Two groups of Bugti and Burdi clans, at odds over an assault on a boy, exchanged fire for two hours in the Kot Nawab village, six kilometres off here, on Saturday.

Hundreds of people from both the groups have entrenched against each other.

The dispute started when some Burdi clansmen reportedly tried to criminally assault the boy, Mohammad Khasheli, 15, son of Khuda Bux Khaskheli, who tills lands of Nawab Akbar Bugti. The Burdis allege that the Bugtis have kidnapped two persons of their clan and set on fire their Autaq.

A heavy police contingent has surrounded the area to avert any further clashes. The grandson of Akbar Bugti and Khurram Burdi have been approached by police to pacify the groups.

The area wore a deserted look on Saturday as shops remained closed and farmer did not go to fields.