Violence erupts ahead of Kashmir talks

[dArKeR]

AP , NEW DELHI
Sunday, Jun 27, 2004,Page 5

An attack by suspected Islamic rebels killed a dozen people in the Indian portion of Kashmir ahead of talks today between India and Pakistan on their dispute over the Himalayan region -- one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints and a key hurdle in their revived peace process.

India accuses Pakistan of collaborating with the rebels, who want independence for Indian Kashmir or its merger with Muslim-dominated Pakistan. Pakistan denies the allegation, which is a key source of rancor between the sides.

Reports of the attack boosted tension on the eve of the talks. Suspected rebels in Kashmir's Surankot region opened fire early yesterday, killing 12 sleeping people and wounding eight -- most of them from a military-trained village security force -- police said. No one immediately claimed responsibility.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/06/27/2003176714

World terra down! Right, Chimpy!