Separatist Violence Kills 26 in Kashmir

Twenty-six people were killed in gun battles in India’s revolt-racked Kashmir region in a 24-hour period despite what officials said was a decrease in separatist violence since the terrorist attacks on the United States. The dead consisted of 18 rebels, seven Indian security force personnel and one civilian.

Indian officials say separatist violence has eased as guerrillas head for Afghanistan to help prepare for a possible U.S. strike, but guerrilla groups have denied that members were heading there.