ISLAMABAD, April 4, IRNA – Army has been called out in a northern Pakistani city after violence claimed seven lives, officials said

Scores of others were injured in sectarian clashes in Gilgit and Chilas, two main cities northern Pakistan, police in the region said.

Curfew was also imposed in the morning in Gilgit city after clashes erupted and announcements were made by the police asking the people to stay indoors.

A Sunni group had called for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike in Gilgit to press the government for release of its supporters. The activists of ‘Ahli-Sunnah Wal-Jamaat’ group, including its leader Maualan Attaullah Saqib, had been arrested in connection with the last month firing on a procession of rival group.

Supporters of two sectarian groups attacked each other in parts of the city. The clashes started when supporters of the Sunni group burnt tyers on roads and reportedly forced the people to shut shops.

Violence then spread to Chilas, some 70 kilometers, from Gilgit, police said.

Police confirmed that at least seven people were killed in both cities. A police officer said that nearly 50 people were also injured in the day-long violence.

Army was called out in the afternoon after the police failed to quell the violence.

Sources said that unidentified gunmen kidnapped three government officials in the evening.

Police sources said that unidentified gunmen threw hand grenades on the people, injuring 25 persons. Several police men were also among the injured.

Residents said that gunmen are firing despite imposition of curfew in the city. Extra police force was also deployed in disturbed areas but they have not yet been successful in quelling the violence.

Residents said that the police made announcements through loudspeakers asking the people not to come out of homes in view of the violence.

The area has been tense following the last month massacre of 18 Shiite Muslims by gunmen in Kohistan area, near Gilgit. All slain men were travelling to Gilt in buses when gunmen stopped them and separated Shiites and sprayed bullets at them.

The banned ‘Jundullah’ group had claimed responsibility for the attack.