17 January 2005	Monday	06 Zilhaj 1425

SRINAGAR, Jan 16: A 25-hour stand-off between Islamic guerillas and Indian forces in Kashmir's main city ended on Sunday after two militants holed up inside an indoor stadium were killed by troops, police said.

They said one of the militants was killed in a gun battle early on Sunday and his accomplice was shot dead later in the day when troops stormed the complex. Two Indian policemen were also killed in the gun battle with the separatist rebels.

Police had surrounded the complex, which also houses government offices, after two guerillas stormed the complex in the city centre on Saturday. It was unclear why the rebels had targeted the complex.

However, it is next to a police camp, which the guerillas fired on, and adjacent to the main stadium where Jan 26 Republic Day ceremonies - a common target for rebel attacks - will be held.

Guerillas fighting Indian rule in Kashmir also frequently target government buildings to disrupt administration. The Al-Mansurian group, one of about a dozen outfits fighting Indian rule, has claimed responsibility for the raid.

In another incident, two people were killed and 17 wounded when militants threw a grenade at a rally in Srinagar on Saturday. The latest attacks come days after militants stormed another government building in Srinagar and set it on fire.

At least four security personnel and a worker were killed in that attack. Authorities normally step up security before India's Republic Day as well as the Aug 15 Independence Day, both of which have been key dates for militant attacks in the past. -Reuters