JK: Protest against Bush in Shia-dominated areas

Srinagar, Mar 2: Police fired several rounds in air and burst teargas shells to disperse anti-Bush demonstrators in the shia-dominated areas of central Kashmir district of Badgam today (Mar 2, 2006).

A report from shia-dominated Kargil said that shops and business establishments in the town were closed in the afternoon in protest against Mr Bush's visit to India.

Official sources said people, mostly shia muslims, took to streets in Badgam, raising anti Bush and anti-America slogans.

However, when they tried to block the traffic, police swung into action and resorted to lathicharge.

The demonstrators pelted stones on police and passing vehicles, forcing police to fire in the air and burst teargas shells to disperse them.

The demonstrators alleged that US was behind the recent bombing of shia muslims' holy place in Iraq.

Six persons, including three police personnel, were injured in the clash, sources said.

However, situation elsewhere in the valley remained normal with no report of any untoward incident.

UNI