JAMMU, Sept 25: Police fired teargas on Tuesday to break up clashes between Hindus and Muslims as celebrations over India’s nail-biting Twenty20 cricket win over Pakistan exploded into violence, officials said.

More than 35 people, including policemen, were hurt in the fighting, which broke out overnight in occupied Kashmir and continued on Tuesday, police said in Jammu.

“A group of people offering prayers alleged they were attacked by people who were taking out a rally to mark India’s victory,” Jammu police chief S.P. Vaid said.

Rajouri police chief T.R. Katoch and three of his senior deputies were injured, prompting police to fire in the air with automatic rifles in an attempt to disperse the mob, Mr Sheikh told AFP.

In Jammu, some 1,000 Indian fans outnumbered Muslims 10-to-one as they stormed a college, other officials here said. Paramilitary troops also came under attack, forcing the authorities to ban public gatherings.

Similar clashes also broke out in Gujarat, where five policemen were hurt.—AFP