Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/02/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= KASHMIR VIOLENCE (LONG)

NUMBER=2-294751

BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA

DATELINE=NEW DELHI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In Indian-administered Kashmir, a series of attacks have claimed the

lives of at least 10 people, including five soldiers, two bus passengers and

three political workers. As Anjana Pasricha reports, the violence is

being blamed on Islamic militants seeking to disrupt ongoing state elections in

the region.

TEXT: The violence continued at dawn Wednesday, when a bomb exploded in a bus

soon after it set off on its journey from Kashmir's winter capital, Jammu.

Most of the passengers were pilgrims on their way to visit a popular Hindu

shrine. At least two of them died, many of the others were seriously injured. The bus was engulfed in flames.

Just an hour later, a group of paramilitary soldiers was killed when suspected Muslim militants triggered a land mine, about 40 kilometers south of the summer capital, Srinagar.

In a third incident, three workers from the ruling National Conference Party

were shot dead in a village in the border district of Kupwara, about 100

kilometers north of Srinagar.

Wednesday's violence came just a day after the third round of polling

in the four-phase election to choose a state assembly. It was the

bloodiest round of balloting held, so far. More than 15 people were killed

in separate attacks on polling stations, police vehicles and a passenger

bus.

Kashmi Police Chief A-K Suri is blaming the surge of violence on Islamic

militants, who have vowed to disrupt the polls.

/ / / SURI HINDI ACTUALITY, WITH TRANSLATION / / /

This is happening because of the desperation of terrorists. Despite the

terrorist violence, the elections are progressing well, and the militants

are not happy because people have come out to vote in substantial

numbers.

/ / / END ACTUALITY / / /

Indian officials say they are satisfied with the voter turnout, which the

election commission has reported at between 40 and 47 percent, in the three

rounds of voting held so far.

The turnout has varied widely, from region to region. It has been substantial

in areas less affected by militancy, but very low in others where separatist

insurgents have a stronger influence.

More than 500 people have been killed in election-related incidents, this year. The victims include security personnel, candidates and political workers. The election for the 87-member state assembly will be completed next Tuesday.

The Islamic separatist insurgency flared in Indian Kashmir in 1989. India

hopes the elections will prove its contention that support for the militancy

is waning. Pakistani officials have called the elections a farce.

(signed)

neb / ap / wd