November 17, 2013 12:36:17 am
The Army was deployed in Rawalpindi and Multan Saturday after at least ten persons were killed in sectarian clashes,prompting authorities to impose a curfew in the Pakistani garrison city.
Curfew was imposed within the limits of 19 police stations of Rawalpindi after Shias participating in a Muharram procession clashed with students from a Sunni seminary Friday. More than 40 were injured in the violence.
Police and a large number of soldiers patrolled various areas in Rawalpindi Saturday.
This is the first time in years that a curfew has been imposed in the Punjab province and especially in Rawalpindi,which also houses the Army headquarters.
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In Multan city of Punjab province,the administration summoned the Army after a clash between two groups left one person dead and two others seriously injured,media reports said.
Mobile phone services were suspended in Rawalpindi and the measure was expected to remain in force till Sunday afternoon,officials said.
Meanwhile,a spokesman of Interior Ministry said the situation in Rawalpindi is under control. He said investigation into the incident will be made through a High Court Judge.
Officials said the clash in Rawalpindi started when a Shia procession was passing through Raja Bazar. Some miscreants raised slogans and shouted at the participants of the procession, a police official said.
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