| The Associated Press, Sat 1 Mar 2003 |
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AHMADABAD, India (AP) — Violence broke out between Hindus and Muslims after India beat Pakistan in a Cricket World Cup match Saturday. At least one person died, three were injured, and shops and vehicles were burned.
The violence erupted in India's western state of Gujarat, where in 2002 the country's worst religious clashes in a decade left more than 1,000 people dead. Tension has simmered since, and divisions between Hindus and Muslims remain sharp.
Rioting was reported Saturday in at least six neighborhoods in Ahmadabad, the state's largest city and industrial hub. An unidentified man was rushed to a hospital after being stabbed, police said.
Police fired gunshots after they were attacked by a group of Muslims, apparently angered by Hindus who lit firecrackers and handed out candy to celebrate India's victory, said A.K. Pandya, the deputy commissioner of police.
One protester was killed in the police firing, Pandya said.
Two police officers were by injured by stones.
In Vadodara city, police lobbed tear gas shells in three areas to disperse rioting mobs after three cars and a restaurant owned by a Muslim man were burned, police said.
India is a secular nation where more than 80 percent of the population are Hindus. Muslims are the largest religious minority.
Pakistan is India's Islamic neighbor. The nations have fought three wars.
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BBC World News (Britain)