Nine killed in Kashmir

Police in Indian-administered Kashmir say militants have shot dead five Hindus -- two men and three women -- in a village in Rajouri district in Jammu.

They barged into the families' houses and started firing indiscriminately.

No group has admitted responsibility.

In a separate incident, three policemen were killed during a clash in the Kashmir Valley in Budgam district.

Police say militants ambushed a police patrol vehicle.

One of the attackers was killed.

The killings come ahead of elections in Kashmir later this month.

Separatist militants opposing the elections are accused of targetting civilians to pressure them not to take part.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service