TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Leader of the Islamic Revolution�s representative in Southeast Asia denounced India�s crackdown on Kashmir Muslims as a major catastrophe, urging the Iranian administration to take a strong stance against the Indian government over the cruel measures.

In an interview with the Tasnim News Agency, Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Naqi Shahrokhi took a swipe at the Indian government for causing a �black historical catastrophe� in Kashmir with its heavy crackdown against Muslims.

He also deplored the Indian police�s �inhumane and cruel� crackdown against people in the predominantly Muslim region over the past years.

Ayatollah Shahrokhi also called on the Muslim community to break silence on the slaughter of Kashmir Muslims and rush to help them in whatever way possible.

The top cleric then urged the Iranian administration to adopt an explicit stance on the issue, remind the New Delhi government of the consequences of its policies and warn India of the impact of such �savage conducts� on the relations with the regional countries.

The Leader�s representative also explained that he is in contact with clerics in the Indian subcontinent region, especially those in India and Bangladesh, to address the issue.

Clashes in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir erupted on July 9, when thousands of protesters thronged streets in towns across the Kashmir valley to condemn the death of a popular secessionist leader at the hands of Indian security forces.

The violence has been among the worst in the region in years. Indian forces have shot dead at least 45 people since July 9, while thousands of others have been injured.

Protesters have also attacked police vehicles, security posts and other government property.

By Tasnim News Agency