October 22, 2003	Wednesday	Sha’aban 25, 1424

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SRINAGAR, Oct 21: Twelve more people were killed in separatist violence in Kashmir, including two freedom fighters gunned down on Tuesday after their six civilian hostages walked free, officials said.

Troops raided a house in Tharin village in central Pulwama district on Tuesday and shot dead two militants holed up inside, ending a 34-hour standoff, an Indian army spokesman said.

Before the army operation six hostages, including two women, left the house safely. Four of the civilians were villagers who had early Monday tried to negotiate with the militants.

While stand-offs are common in the valley, rebels have rarely taken civilians hostage in the past.

In separate violence overnight, Indian troops shot dead four militants in two clashes in the northern Baramulla district and killed two rebels at Kulgam, 70 kilometers south of Srinagar, police said.

Soldiers also shot dead three militants on Tuesday morning in the northern Kupwara district near the Line of Control, a police spokesman said.—AFP