Seven troops shot dead in Kashmir

Two suspected Islamic guerrillas stormed an army camp in India’s part of Kashmir today, killing at least seven soldiers and wounding six others.

The attackers were shot dead themselves after launching what the authorities called a “suicide attack” on the base at Tanda, 25 miles north of Jammu.

The attack came just hours after two hand grenades thrown by suspected rebels killed seven pilgrims and wounded 25 others yesterday as they made their way to a Hindu shrine.

More than a dozen Islamic militant groups have been fighting since 1989 for Kashmir’s independence or merger with Pakistan.

Last month, at least 12 soldiers were killed when two suspected rebels stormed an Indian army camp on the outskirts of Jammu. The rebels were also killed.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and aiding the militants. Pakistan denies helping the insurgents, but says it supports them diplomatically. The South Asian nuclear rivals have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.