Srinagar, India- At least 12 Indian soldiers were feared killed in a mine blast triggered by suspected Islamic militants in Jammu and Kashmir state on Saturday, police said.

The militants set off the mine on Srinagar-Baramulla road in Jammu and Kashmir near Narbal Chowk, 14 kilometres north of the state capital Srinagar, while an army convoy was passing, the police said.

One of the vehicles in the convoy was severely damaged and at least 12 soldiers were feared dead, a police official based in Srinagar said. He said several others were injured.

Senior officials had rushed to the spot and further information was being awaited, he said.

An estimated 40,000 people, including civilians, militants and security personnel, have been killed in a violent secessionist movement in India-administered Kashmir since
1990.

India accuses neighbouring Pakistan of aiding and abetting Kashmiri secessionist militants. Pakistan denies the allegations, saying the Kashmiri militants are freedom fighters.

The disputed region is divided into two parts - one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. (dpa)