Curfew imposed in parts of Budgam district in Kashmir after sectarian clashes

The officials,however,refused to give details about the number of houses torched by the rival sects yesterday. Sources said at least a dozen houses were set on fire,resulting in extensive damage to the structures.

Extra security forces were rushed to the affected areas last night to maintain peace as senior officials of police and state administration requested people to maintain calm.

Announcements were made through public address systems asking people not to pay heed to rumours that were being spread by people with vested interests.

Violence broke out in Sabdan,Galwanpora and Reshipora villages of Budgam on Friday night following dispute between two sects over construction of a village road.

However,separatist groups have blamed intelligence agencies of fuelling the violence to divert attention from alleged human rights violations like the Gool firing incident.