Military

DATE=11/06/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-268872

TITLE= INDIA / RELIGIOUS CLASHES (S-O)

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE= NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: At least 11-people have been killed and more than 40-injured in a religious clash between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims in Northern India. Correspondent Jim Teeple reports paramilitary troops have been sent to the area to prevent further violence.

TEXT: Violence erupted late Sunday after a mob of Sunnis reportedly attacked a group of Shi'ites in the town of Mubarakpur. There is a long history of conflict between the two groups in the market town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities say the violence was widespread and started with a series of bomb blasts followed by gunfire and looting. The attacks were reportedly in revenge for the deaths of several members of the Sunni community, reportedly killed in an attack by Shi'ites in January.

A curfew has been imposed on the downtown business district where four people also died in Hindu-Muslim riots in October. (SIGNED)

NEB/JLT/RAE