Curfew continues in Pattan

Curfew continued in two villages of North Kashmir's Pattan town on Friday which witnessed clashes between two sects of Muslims leaving 20 people injured.

Curfew continued in two villages of North Kashmir's Pattan town on Friday which witnessed clashes between two sects of Muslims leaving 20 people injured.

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"The situation is under control as curfew continues in Hagarpora and Kangandora villages of Pattan as a precautionary measure", Senior Superintendent of Police, Baramulla, Shakeel Ahmad Beg told PTI.

Authorities imposed curfew and sought the help of army last evening following clashes between two sects of Muslims over a hoarding.

"The erection of a hoarding of a spiritual leader has been a cause of concern for past two months. The two communities had, in fact, reached an amicable solution yesterday but some miscreants created confusion and the atmosphere became tense", he said.

Several shops and houses were set ablaze during the clashes. Police had to fire dozens of tear gas shells to contain the clashes.

Terming the incident as "unfortunate", former Hurriyat Conference Chairman Molvi Mohammad Abbas Ansari "appealed to the people of Pattan and other parts of valley to remain calm and desist from violence".

"Some agencies don't want peace to prevail among the two communities," he added.