Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=01/18/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-271509

TITLE= KASHMIR VIOLENCE / S / ONLY

BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE= NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Five Indian soldiers and one civilian were killed Thursday, in two

separate landmine explosions in Indian-administered Kashmir. The

attacks are being blamed on separatist militants who have rejected

India's unilateral cease-fire in the region. V-O-A's Jim Teeple has more from our New Delhi bureau.

Text: Thursday's violence took place, just two days after separatist

militants staged a daring and bloody assault on Srinagar airport, in

which 12 people died.

The intensifying violence comes just days before Indian authorities

have to decide whether to extend a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir.

The ceasefire was declared in late November and timed to coincide with

Muslim Ramadan observances. There has already been a one-month extension. Separatist political groups in Kashmir

welcomed the ceasefire but separatist militants have continued their

attacks against security forces.

Over the past week, militants have attacked Srinagar airport twice and

have also attempted to assassinate the state's chief minister.

Senior Indian officials in New Delhi say they are conducting a critical

review of the security situation in the state. (Signed)

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