Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE= 10/01/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= KASHMIR ATTACK /S

NUMBER=2-294697

BYLINE= JIM TEEPLE

DATELINE= NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Suspected separatist militants in Indian-administered Kashmir

attacked a bus, early Tuesday, killing at least five people. As V-O-A's

Jim Teeple reports, the attack took place as the third phase of

voting in state-assembly elections in Kashmir is being held, under tight security.

TEXT: Police say suspected militants attacked the bus, near Hiranagar, about 70 kilometers south of Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir State. It is near the line of control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

The attack is the latest in a violent election campaign that has left nearly 500 people dead.

More violence is expected Tuesday, as voting takes place for 27 seats

in the 87-seat state assembly. Tuesday's voting takes place in four districts where separatist militants are especially active. The militants have threatened to kill any candidates and voters taking part in the elections.

Separatist political parties have called for a boycott, saying the voting does not address the issue of self-determination for Kashmiris.

Pakistani officials have called the elections a farce, but deny supporting the separatist militants. Indian officials have stepped up verbal attacks against Pakistan, recently, saying India reserves the right to retaliate for violence carried out on its soil. (Signed)

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