Kashmir bus bomb kills five

A bomb has exploded on a bus in Indian-controlled Kashmir, killing five people and injuring 40 others.

The bomb exploded as the bus was travelling on a road about 40km north of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu-Kashmir state.

Four civilians died in the blast and a soldier died later in a hospital.

At least 30 civilians and 10 Indian army soldiers were injured in the blast and some are in critical condition.

Authorities say they are unsure whether the bomb was planted on the bus or if a suicide bomber had been on board.

The violence comes amid renewed efforts by India and Pakistan to resolve unrest in the disputed territory, which is claimed by both countries.

At least 30,000 people have been killed in India-controlled Kashmir, according to government figures, since Islamic groups began trying to separate the province from India. Human rights activists say the death toll is closer to 60,000.

A two-month ceasefire declared by India against the Islamic guerrillas is due to end on January 26.

In another attack, two civilians were killed when a militant hurled a grenade at a group of soldiers in Srinagar but missed the target, the United News of India agency reported. The explosion injured 20 civilians.

Police said militants also set off an explosion outside the office of Kashmir's National Conference party in Jammu, the state's winter capital. No one was killed or injured in the explosion, but the office building suffered some damage.