AL-QATIF, Saudi Arabia: Tensions are still on escalation in the Shiite-dominated Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, which is the principal headquarters for Saudi Aramco and the centre of the world's biggest oil exporter's energy industry.

Attacks by religious police and security forces on Shiite pilgrims last month (February) at Al-Baqee cemetery and the holy shrine of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be on him and his holy progeny) in the holy city of Medina caused tensions. The religious police had arrested the pilgrims when they tried to visit the tomb and they were released only after King Abdullah intervened.

The assaults sparked protests and rallies in the Eastern province. Activists and police statements confirm several further arrests and checkpoints were installed in the region to restore order.

Perhaps the gravest threat came from Sheikh Baqer An-Nimr in al-Awwamiya on the outskirts of the eastern city of Qatif. He warned during Friday prayers that the kingdom's Shia community might seek to secede from Saudi Arabia if the abuse continued.

An-Nimr went into hiding but at least 12 followers were arrested, according to Shia activists and Amnesty International.

The police confirmed the arrests.

According to Shia community the government's position has been inconsistent.

"The king defused tensions when he ordered the release of the pilgrims, but other government officials are acting erratically, compounding the problem,'' says Jafar al-Shayeb, a Shia activist in Qatif.

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of meddling in the affairs of Arab countries and some foreign observers agree that Shia Iran could be increasing the tension.

But Shia intellectuals and activists play down any Iranian influence.

"The anger is more an outgrowth of frustration with official indifference toward Shia concerns," says Mr al-Shayeb. "We need a gesture from the king, a political appointment, to demonstrate that they are part of this country. But of course Iran can exploit the issue."

King Abdullah after taking the throne in 2005 initiated a national dialogue that included Shia participation for the first time and led to a reduction in discrimination against the community. Several Shia clerics were released from prison and members of the religious minority obtained wider access to jobs and education.

But while the king pressed for more opportunities to be given to Shia in university and government appointments, activists say middle managers have blocked promotions for Shia teachers.

A sociology professor and a political activist Khaled Al-Dakhil says the problem is not only about the Shia, who represent about 15 per cent of the 17m population, but rather a need for greater equality in Saudi Arabia, regardless of gender, tribal background or religion.

Analysts say marginalization of the estimated 1.5m to 2m Shia living in the oil-rich Eastern province fuels tensions in the region. They believe that the kingdom can no longer afford to ignore the issue.