Hindus targeted in Kashmir attack

Two civilians died when security forces fought militants

Five Hindus have been killed in an attack by suspected Islamic militants in the latest violence in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The militants opened fire indiscriminately, killing five villagers instantly

Police spokesman

Police said the militants entered houses belonging to Hindus in the village of Balmakote village in Udhampur district, some 60 km from Jammu, the state's winter capital.

They said the militants opened fire indiscriminately, leaving five people dead and three others seriously injured.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack comes after a week in which tensions between India and Pakistan finally began to ease in their stand-off over Kashmir.

Both countries were feared to be on the brink of war, leading to international attempts to defuse the confrontation between the nuclear-capable neighbours.

Other attacks

In other incidents, at least three militants said to belong to the Hizbul Mujahideen group were killed in a gun battle with security forces in Doda district.

Two civilians also died in the clash, although the family of one said he was killed after being picked up from their house by the security forces.

And three members of the al-Badr militant group were killed in Kupwara district, according to the police.

Police also said one of their officers was killed when a patrol was ambushed by militants in Pulwama district.

Pilgrims targeted

The latest violence came after an incident on Saturday, in which Hindu pilgrims were targeted as they made their way from a remote mountain-top shrine.

Tensions with Pakistan have led to a mass mobilisation

Militants opened fire with automatic weapons and also lobbed grenades, according to police.

Three children later died of their wounds.

Three Muslim guards accompanying the pilgrims were killed in the ensuing gun battle with the attackers.

India holds Pakistan responsible for sponsoring militant attacks in Kashmir, and says it should do more to stop infiltration across the Line of Control that divides the territory.

President Musharraf has pledged to stop militants using Pakistani territory to launch attacks against Indian targets.

The two countries pulled back from the brink after high-profile visits by US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage and US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

The US has welcomed steps by India and Pakistan to ease the crisis between them.