Sectarian clashes between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Srinagar [Images] on Saturday evening left 15 people injured. Police resorted to teargas and baton charge to disengage the clashing groups of Shia and Sunni Muslims in the Hawal locality of Srinagar.

According to a senior police officer, the trouble began when some youth pelted stones at a Muharram procession that was passing through the Gojiwara area of the old city.

The police intervened immediately to quell the trouble and restore order in the area, which has a mixed population of both the communities.

Authorities have called upon the elders of the two communities to restore amity in the area so that the main Muharram processions scheduled for Sunday are carried out without incident.

Security in the Shia dominated areas of Zadibal, Hawal and Lal Bazzar areas have been redoubled with additional contingents of police and paramilitary troops.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and five others wounded in a clash between two groups of Shia Muslims in Sebden village in the central Budgam district.

A mourner was killed on the spot and five others wounded in the village after an altercation pertaining to the final destination of a Muharram procession in the village led to violence, according to a senior police officer.