Police fire pellet guns on Kashmir Muharram procession: Witnesses
Government forces have fired shotgun pellets and tear gas to disperse hundreds of mainly Shia Muslims participating in a Muharram procession in Indian-administered Kashmir, injuring dozens, witnesses have said. The violence came as the disputed Himalayan region - where nearly 97 percent of residents are Muslims - observed Ashoura on Saturday, the 10th day of the Muharram month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Police said mourners on the outskirts of the region's main city of Srinagar violated prohibitory orders that restrict all religious processions and gatherings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Medical workers at a hospital in Srinagar told The Associated Press they treated at least 30 people, some of them with pellet and tear gas injuries. Residents said many other injured were taken to another hospital in the city. Videos circulating on social media showed police in armed vehicles warning the mourners to disperse before firing