Western Resistance: Pakistan: Shia and Sunni Leaders Arrested After Unrest Leaves 12 Dead

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October 16, 2005

Pakistan: Shia and Sunni Leaders Arrested After Unrest Leaves 12 Dead

In Gilgit, northern Pakistan, the main Mosques and Imambargahs (meeting houses) were sealed by the Northern Areas administration, and top Shia and Sunni leaders have been arrested under the terms of the Anti Terrorism Act. The actions, according to Pakistan's Daily Times followed clashes with Pakistan's security forces, which left 12 people dead. A three-day curfew announced on Thursday night will still be in force tonight.

Four Sunni leaders and four Sunni leaders have been detained in Gilgit, a former trading post at the entrance to the Hindu Kush, along the former Silk Route.

The violence began on Thursday night, according to Dawn, and had seen 12 die, including two women, and 25 more injured. Dawn states that the violence began on Thursday morning when some Shia schoolboys held a demonstration, demanding the release of a student who had been arrested by the Rangers. The incarcerated student had been arrested for involvement with an earlier disturbance. The protesting students were ready to disperse when Rangers fired shots and the riot ensued. At one point, 600 people were involved. Four Rangers died in the violence.

Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at October 16, 2005 2:26 PM