Violent clashes rack Kashmir, killing 12

Suspected rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed six people in attacks Tuesday, while at least six militants died in an overnight gunbattle with soldiers, officials said.

Separatist militants hurled a grenade at a police patrol near a bus station in the town of Pulwama, 35 miles south of Srinagar, killing a police officer and wounding 12 people, police said.

In nearby Dooru village, suspected rebels shot dead a political activist. Earlier, a key official in the town of Pattan was killed by gunmen. Police said two of his bodyguards and a police officer were killed as they gave chase to his attackers.

In Punch district, southwest of Srinagar, an hourlong battle between troops and rebels left six militants dead, said army Lt. Col. D.K. Badola.