M.harris
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AT least eight soldiers have been killed and 13 wounded after suspected Muslim militants targeted an army convoy in India-administered Kashmir, police say.
The attack that took place on a highway on the outskirts of state capital Srinagar came a day before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to visit the area.
"Militants lobbed grenades at the convoy and later opened fire at them from automatic weapons," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.
"Eight soldiers have been killed and 13 injured have been hospitalised," he said.
It was not immediately clear if the militants also suffered casualties.
Local media said the Hizbul Mujahideen group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Separatist Kashmiri leaders have called for a strike on Tuesday to coincide with Singh's visit.
Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan.
More than 45,000 people - civilians, militants and security forces personnel - have been killed since a secessionist movement broke out in the 1980s.
New Delhi accuses Islamabad of aiding and abetting Kashmiri militants, a charge Pakistan has always denied.
Islamabad says it supports the Kashmiris' legitimate aspirations for freedom.
Kashmir attack leaves 8 Indian troops dead | News.com.au
The attack that took place on a highway on the outskirts of state capital Srinagar came a day before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to visit the area.
"Militants lobbed grenades at the convoy and later opened fire at them from automatic weapons," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.
"Eight soldiers have been killed and 13 injured have been hospitalised," he said.
It was not immediately clear if the militants also suffered casualties.
Local media said the Hizbul Mujahideen group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Separatist Kashmiri leaders have called for a strike on Tuesday to coincide with Singh's visit.
Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan.
More than 45,000 people - civilians, militants and security forces personnel - have been killed since a secessionist movement broke out in the 1980s.
New Delhi accuses Islamabad of aiding and abetting Kashmiri militants, a charge Pakistan has always denied.
Islamabad says it supports the Kashmiris' legitimate aspirations for freedom.
Kashmir attack leaves 8 Indian troops dead | News.com.au