Winter sports boost for Kashmir

Indian army skiers take to the slopes in Gulmarg, Kashmir

A winter sports gathering is being held in the ski resort of Gulmarg in Indian-administered Kashmir for the first time in six years.

Indian Olympic officials say they hope the winter games, which began on Wednesday, will pave the way for more such events in the region.

Tourists and sportsmen were drawn to mountainous, scenic Kashmir until an insurgency erupted there 14 years ago.

Pakistan and India agreed to talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute this month.

Commonwealth hopes

Kashmir hosted a national winter sports meet six years ago - but fears of a militant attack prompted organisers to hold subsequent events in other Himalayan hill resorts.

Indian sports officials hope Gulmarg could host events in the Commonwealth Games, which are to take place in India in 2010.

Tens of thousands have died in 14 years of separatist uprising in Indian-administered Kashmir.

India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the Kashmiri militants - a charge Pakistan denies.

Both sides are due to meet in February to discuss the dispute.