DATE=9/1/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=KASHMIR / VIOLENCE (S-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253324
BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: At least 17 people have been killed in the
past 24-hours in India's troubled province of Jammu
and Kashmir in clashes between Indian security forces
and militant separatists. The killings occurred as
India and Pakistan also traded artillery and mortar
fire along the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir
between the two countries. VOA's Jim Teeple reports
tension and violence is rising in Kashmir ahead of
national elections, which begin on Sunday.
Text: Police sources in Srinigar, the summer capital
of India's Jammu and Kashmir state, say two army
soldiers and eight militants were killed early
Wednesday in Doda district and six militants and one
soldier were killed late Tuesday in a clash near the
border district of Kupwara.
The Indian Army says at least a dozen Pakistani
soldiers were also killed after Indian and Pakistani
troops exchanged mortar and artillery fire along the
Line of Control in Jammu late Tuesday and early
Wednesday.
Tensions in the troubled province are high as India is
preparing to hold national elections. More than
thirty people have been killed in the past week in
Kashmir as separatists have stepped up their attacks.
Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Gurbachan Jagat says
his forces will be able to ensure the elections take
place.
// JAGAT ACT //
We are quite confident we will be able to hold a
peaceful election.
// END ACT //
Staggered voting throughout India begins on Sunday and
will continue for a month on a weekly basis. (Signed)
NEB/JT/LTD/KL
01-Sep-1999 07:38 AM EDT (01-Sep-1999 1138 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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