Srinagar, Kashmir - Two militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group and their female associate were killed in a shootout with security forces in India-administered Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

The combat took place near a village in the Doda district about 180 kilometres north-east of the state's winter capital Jammu, after a joint army-police team started search operations.

"The two militants were active in the area and were behind many killings and abductions. They were eliminated in the gunbattle which lasted for an hour," senior police official Parbhat Singh said.

A woman who was with the militants and was believed to be linked with the LeT was also killed.

Srinagar, Apr 16 : The Kashmir Tourism department has come up with a unique way of adding to the idyllic charm of the valley and captivating the tourists.

After nearly two decades, an initiative by state tourism authorities has revived the custom of musical nights in Kashmir.

A musical night organised near the Zabarwan park overlooking Dal Lake in Srinagar on April 14 enthralled the local youngsters.

The event added to the bewitching charm of the valley.

Srinagar, Apr 16 : Kashmir has witnessed an upsurge in the social position of women folk in recent years.

With restrictions on music and other entertainment sources imposed by the rebels, particularly on women, music for them had become a distant dream.

However, a new trend was seen at a latest talent show "Mile Sur", which was organised by Doordarshan in Srinagar with financial assistance of Jammu and Kashmir bank.

Srinagar, Apr 13: National Conference on Monday suggested its President Farooq Abdullah and Srinagar Municipal Corporation Chairman Salman Sagar for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Talking to reporters here, Farooq Abdullah said that the final decision on who would contest the Srinagar seat rests on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Claiming that his active role in politics helps him in keeping young and fit, Abdullah said, "My life will end fighting elections."

Farooq Abdullah had contested from two assembly constituencies in last assembly elections. He had later contested the Rajya Sabha polls from the state.

Srinagar, Apr 13: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that he would raise ''very important'' issues in Parliament after the elections, including the matter of resuming the composite dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Talking to reporters here, Abdullah said: "We will raise very important issues in the Parliament after the elections. One such issue will be a discussion on Indo-Pak relations and resumption of the stalled dialogue between the two countries."

Srinagar, India - Sajjad Lone, a prominent leader of the separatist movement in India-administered Kashmir, announced Saturday that he would be contesting the coming general elections. Lone, who heads the People Conference, one of the many separatist political organizations in Kashmir, announced he would be contesting from Baramulla constituency.

"This is the best way I could represent Kashmiri aspirations ... This is a change in strategy, not in ideology," Lone said at a press briefing in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir state capital.