A large explosion at a fireworks factory in northern India has killed at least 16 people and caused the building to collapse.

Guerillas chopped off the ears, nose and tongue of a teenage girl they suspected of helping police today, while other violence in Indian-controlled Kashmir left at least eight people dead, police said.

Two suspected Islamic militants stormed an army camp in Kashmir killing 12 soldiers before they were slain, as India’s president wrapped up a three-day visit to the strife-torn Himalayan region.

A land mine exploded today, killing nine people and injuring 24 others in Indian-administered Kashmir while separate rebel violence left five others dead, police said.

Indian troops killed eight suspected Islamic militants in an overnight gun battle after they infiltrated into Indian-controlled Kashmir from Pakistani territory, an army spokesman said today.