DATE=5/15/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA/KASHMIR (L-O)
NUMBER=2-262369
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: In Indian Kashmir, suspected Muslim militants
have killed a state government minister, and at least
four other people. From New Delhi, Anjana Pasricha
reports, the Indian government is trying to launch a
political initiative in the insurgency-wracked
Himalayan region.
TEXT: Police say Jammu and Kashmir Power Minister
Ghulam Hasan Bhatt died instantly when a remote-
controlled landmine blew up his bullet-proof car near
Doru, 75-kilometers south of the summer capital
Srinagar. The minister had been visiting his
constituency.
The minister's driver and bodyguards were also killed
in the powerful explosion.
The Hizbul Mujahideen group has claimed responsibility
for the attack. The group wants Kashmir to join
Pakistan.
Mr. Bhatt is the first sitting minister to be killed
since a popularly elected government assumed office
four-years ago. Several politicians and legislators
have been killed by suspected militants during the
decade-long separatist insurgency in the state.
Muslim militants have stepped up attacks in the past
year, mostly against the security forces.
Police said more than 10 security personnel were
injured in at least two other explosions in southern
Kashmir.
Meanwhile, New Delhi is trying to establish a dialogue
with Kashmiri separatists. Informal channels of
communication have been established with leaders of
the All Parties Huriyat (Freedom) Conference who were
released from prison last month.
In an unusual move, the Indian government is providing
security protection to four of the Kashmiri separatist
leaders. Several Muslim militant groups have opposed
efforts by New Delhi to open talks with the Huriyat
leaders, and have vowed to step up their campaign
against Indian rule.
Kashmir is India's only Muslim majority province. A
separatist insurgency that flared in the region 10-
years ago has claimed more than 25-thousand lives.
(SIGNED)
NEB/AP/RAE
15-May-2000 08:35 AM EDT (15-May-2000 1235 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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