'Four killed in Kashmir ambush'

At least four Indian army personnel, including an officer, have been killed by suspected separatist militants in Indian-administered Kashmir.

An army spokesman said troops were on patrol in the Rajouri area when they were ambushed.

Reinforcements have rushed to the area which has been cordoned off.

Indian-administered Kashmir has been relatively calm following the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan both of whom claim the territory.

But earlier this month a series of bomb blasts took place in the region.

An army spokesman said Friday's attack took place in a heavily forested area when some five or six militants lobbed grenades at the troops, killing one officer and three other soldiers on the spot.

He said local police had joined forces with the army to capture the militants.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Peace moves

More than 40,000 people have died in 14 years of insurgency in Kashmir.

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the territory but embarked on a peace process 18 months ago.

The latest step last month was the start of the of the first bus service to cross the Line of Control that divides Indian and Pakistani administered Kashmir.

The fourth scheduled service of the landmark cross-Kashmir bus took place on Thursday.