MANAMA, March 29: Bahrain’s parliament on Tuesday accepted the resignations of 11 lawmakers from the opposition, a sign that the political crisis and sectarian divisions are deepening in the tiny Gulf kingdom. The state-run Bahrain News Agency reported the 40-member house approved the resignations of 11 Al Wefaq legislators.

They and seven other lawmakers from the party submitted resignations last month over the deadly crackdown on anti-government protests. BNA said parliament postponed deliberations on the six other resignations.

In a statement on Tuesday, the opposition called on supporters to continue challenging the monarchy’s monopoly on power with acts of disobedience such as public mourning of “the martyrs who died to achieve the legitimate rights for Bahraini people.” Al Wefaq is the largest of seven opposition parties.

The opposition declared on Saturday an official day of mourning. It also urged people to visit the graves of those killed by government forces every Thursday starting March 31.

Bahrain’s parliament is the island nation’s only elected body. It holds limited authority since all the country’s decisions, including appointment of government ministers, rest with the king.

Two weeks ago, Bahrain declared three-months of emergency rule to deal with the demonstrations.—AP