Hindu family shot in Indian Kashmir

Islamist militants opened fire on a Hindu family in Indian Kashmir, killing five people and wounding nine others, police said.

The attack came just before today's India Independence Day anniversary, when violence usually spikes in the Muslim-majority state.

The shooting took place near Chargu, a remote village 65km east of Jammu.

"The militants attacked a Hindu family of village defence committee members with automatic weapons," said a police officer. "Five people were killed on the spot and nine others were wounded. Five of the wounded are in a critical condition."