India launches Kashmir attack

India has attacked Pakistani positions along the Line of Control that separates the two sides in the disputed territory of Kashmir.

A senior Indian officer, Brigadier PC Das, said the army had launched a heavy artillery attack on at least 11 forward posts of the Pakistani army in the Akhnoor and Mendhar sectors.

He described the operation as part of what he called India's pro-active approach to curbing militancy in Indian-administered Kashmir.

He said Monday's operation had been named "Punitive Action".

India says that both areas are used by Pakistan to help militants cross over into the Indian-held territory.

News of the attack came as US Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived in Pakistan to shore up support for the US-led coalition against terror.

Pakistan said one woman was killed and 25 were wounded when Indian forces fired across the disputed border in Kashmir on Monday.

Pakistan military spokesman Major-General Rashid Qureshi told Reuters that Pakistani troops had retaliated to the "unprovoked firing".