Srinagar, Aug 13: Amid the ongoing unrest in Kashmir valley following the killing of militant Burhan Wani, trouble seems to have escalated for the security forces as sectarian clashes have been reported from the region of Budgam. Two prominent sects of the Muslim community have clashed with each other leading to stone pelting. Hours later, the community members of one sect target the other by burning down six of their houses. The clash is reportedly underway. Police team have rushed to the spot to control the situation. Also Read - Muharram: Section 144 Imposed, Security Forces Deployed in Kashmir to Prevent People From Taking Out Processions

The clashes erupted in Beerwah area of Budgam district here during which six houses were set ablaze, police said. The clashes broke out in Wargam village this afternoon following an altercation between two groups of youth while playing cricket, another police official said. He said the members of the rival sects hurled stones at each other and also set ablaze six residential houses. The clashes were going on till reports last came in, he added. Also Read - Watch | Pakistan Man Publicly Beaten & Arrested For Mocking Imran Khan Over Inclusion of Kashmir In New Map, Video Goes Viral

Jammu & Kashmir police have issued a high alert in all sensitive regions of the state. Fortunately, government had blocked internet, mobile, wifi services earlier in the day, which would prevent people from mongering hate against each other on social media. It would also prevent the spread of rumours online, which could’ve further escalated the sectarian tensions. Also Read - Historic! Women Soldiers Of Assam Rifles Deployed On Combat Duty Along LoC For the First Time Ever

Kashmir valley, despite being a Muslim dominated region, often witnesses clashes of communal in nature. The two sects of Muslims – Shias and Sunnis are reportedly not on the same board. Often Shias, the minorities are on the receiving end. Shias were once the politically significant community of the state. However, their conditions deteriorated following the increased influence of Pakistan in the socio-political affairs of the state. The impact of middle-eastern Islamic scholars on perception of Sunnis in the Valley have also hurt the prospects of Shias. Since the past six decades, they have been constantly persecuted. Budgam is the only town in Kashmir where Shias are a majority. “The revival of sectarian based politics in Pakistan and Middle East, and the dramatic resurgence of anti-Shia forces there reinforced the fears of the community,” Masroor Ansari, moderate Hurriyat leader was quoted as saying by Tehelka.

(With PTI inputs)