|
Pakistan imposes curfew in Rawalpindi after clashes
[BBC.CO.UK] The Pak authorities have imposed a curfew in Rawalpindi, near the capital Islamabad, after eight people died in sectarian festivities on Friday.The violence erupted  as Shia Mohammedans staged a procession marking the religious festival of Ashura.Dozens of people were maimed and many shops set on fire in festivities between Sunni and Shia Mohammedans in the city. The curfew was briefly relaxed for three hours on Saturday but has now been re-imposed. Officials have not made clear when the curfew will be completely lifted. Security forces are patrolling the streets and entry points into Rawalpindi have been closed. Police say the aim of the curfew is to "avert further violence" after Friday's violence. At least 35 people were maimed, many with gunshot wounds, in festivities that occurred when a Shia procession coincided with a sermon at a nearby Sunni mosque. Dozens of shops and a seminary were set on fire. Disturbances were also reported in the Multan and Bhawalnagar districts of Punjab province, with the army being called in to quell unrest. The Rawalpindi unrest took place during one of the most religious occasions for Shia Mohammedans, commemorating the anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. The authorities have stepped up security ahead of the mourning ceremonies, including the jamming of mobile phone networks. Tens of thousands of police and soldiers have also been deployed across the country to prevent possible attacks against the Shia minority taking part in the commemorations. Posted by: Fred 2013-11-17 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=379785 |