Islamabad: One security personnel was killed and another injured in firing during sectarian clashes in a northwestern Pakistani town today, prompting authorities to impose curfew.

Rival Sunni and Shia groups exchanged fire in Hangu town of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) during the clashes between them, TV channels reported.

The clashes coincided with the celebrations to mark the Persian New Year Nawroz and the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed.

Reports from the town said a security personnel was killed and another injured in the firing during the clashes. There was no official conformation of the casualties.

"A curfew has been enforced in the town and there will be no more processions today," an official said.

Witnesses said the two groups exchanged fire with heavy weapons in the main bazaar in Hangu, forcing people to stay indoors. Both groups used rockets, mortars and other heavy weapons. Troops were called out in the town to maintain peace.

Nawroz celebrations were going on peacefully at Madrassa Askaria where local cleric Maulana Hussain Ali was delivering a speech when the firing suddenly started, residents said.

The gathering at the madrassa was fired upon from four directions and from nearby mountains, they said. The security forces sealed all routes leading to the bazar.

Hangu had witnessed violence in January on the occasion of Ashura, which marks the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein.

Security forces were on alert to stop the sectarian violence from spreading and leaders of rival factions have appealed for calm. Army and paramilitary troops have started patrolling in the town.
Source : PTI