Five killed in Kashmir violence

Nov 16, 2009, 6:44 GMT

   Srinagar, Kashmir - A paramilitary officer from India's Border Security Force (BSF) was killed by a rebel mine Monday near an India-Pakistan border post, officials said.

   At least two troopers and two insurgents were also killed in fighting elsewhere in India-administered Kashmir.

   The officer killed near the Balad post, 45 kilometres south-west of the state's winter capital of Jammu, was a deputy inspector general, local police said. His identity was disclosed.

   'The BSF team had gone to the area to verify details of firing and an infiltration bid by militants from Pakistan-administered Kashmir,' a local police officer said.

   'Upon seeing the BSF jeep approach, the militants triggered an improvised explosive device they had planted, killing the officer and injuring three troopers,' he added.

   One of injured troopers was said to be in critical condition.

   Two soldiers and a senior commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit were killed in a clash in the northern Keran sector that began Sunday evening, army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel JS Brar said.

   In another clash in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, one rebel was killed.

   Nuclear-capable neighbours India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the disputed region. They each administer a part of Kashmir but claim it in its entirety.

   India-administered Kashmir has seen a violent separatist militant movement that peaked in the late 1980s which has so far claimed more than 45,000 lives.

   New Delhi says Pakistan has been supporting the insurgency and Pakistani troops help the militants infiltrate into the Indian side to carry out attacks.

   Pakistan denies the charge and calls Kashmiri militants freedom fighters.