India says farewell to firebrand Hindu leader Thackeray

MUMBAI (AFP) - Huge crowds thronged the streets of Mumbai on Sunday to witness the funeral procession of Mr Bal Thackeray, chief of the Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena party and one of India's most divisive politicians.

Mr Thackeray, who called his followers "Hindu warriors" and was widely accused of stoking ethnic and religious violence, died aged 86 on Saturday, triggering a virtual shutdown of the city.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners lined the route to catch a final glimpse of Mr Thackeray, still wearing his trademark sunglasses, as his body was driven slowly through the heaving masses.

Authorities placed a massive police force on the streets in a bid to avert trouble following the death of the politician whose party has a reputation for intimidation and unrest.