Indian Troops Kill Rebel Leader in Kashmir

An Indian army spokesman says troops have shot dead a top rebel leader in Kashmir.

The spokesman said Saturday the militant, identified simply as Saad, was a local administrator and financial controller of the Lashkar-e-Toiba group.

Lashkar has not commented on the army statement.

Indian authorities have blamed the Pakistan-based group for a series of attacks in the mountainous region.

Both India and Pakistan claim ownership of Kashmir.

The region is suffering from a 17-year insurgency that has taken more than 45,000 lives. Various rebel groups are fighting for independence from New Delhi's control or a merger with Pakistan.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.