Kashmir minister survives new attack

The authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir say suspected militants have tried to kill the state tourism minister, Sakina Itoo, for the third time.

A bomb was set off in the Kulgam district as the minister's motorcade was passing, but she was unhurt.

However, an Indian paramilitary soldier and a child were killed in the attack.

Sakina Itoo is the only woman in the government of the disputed territory.

In another attack in the same area, suspected militants shot dead two activists of the Communist Party of India on Friday.

Suspected militants also shot dead two residents of Punjab who were travelling on a truck in the same district.

There has been a sharp increase in violence in the region in the run-up to a new round of elections next week.

India is hoping the polls will bolster the legitimacy of its rule in the Muslim-majority state; separatists have said they will attack anyone who takes part in it.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service