At least seven protesters were killed and 10 injured in a western Indian town when police opened fire on Muslims protesting against the US-led military strikes in Afghanistan.
However, Muslim organisations in the town of Malegaon, the site of the shooting, claimed that at least 13 protesters were gunned down by anti-riot police.
The clash occurred last night in the town's central Perry Chowk area when police tried to prevent a group of Muslims returning from weekly prayers from distributing pamphlets ordering traders and shop-owners to boycott US-made goods.
The crowd, numbering around 100, attacked the police with rocks and missiles.
Police responded with gunfire which left seven people dead and 10 more injured.
But Muslim groups in Malegaon said the death toll was higher and that over 13 are dead and 50 others were injured.
Town authorities imposed a curfew in parts of Malegaon today as army soldiers in combat gear fanned out to prevent further lawlessness, officials said.
Maharashtra Home Minister Chaggan Bhujbal said security was also being stepped up in Bombay, India's commercial capital, and in other areas where clashes could erupt in a reaction to the Malegaon shootout.
India's chief Muslim cleric, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has denounced the US military strikes and asked Indian Muslims to support the call of jihad, or holy war, given by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan against the US.
Similar protests by Muslims have also been reported from the states of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
AFP