Ten killed in fresh Kashmir violence

Two security force personnel and a militant were killed during

 a fierce gunbattle in southern Doda district late Sunday, a police statement said

SRINAGAR At least 10 people, including four policemen, were killed in a string of recent firefights across Kashmir, police said on Monday, just days ahead of another round of voting in India's general election. Two security force personnel, a militant and a woman were killed during a gun battle in south Kashmir's Doda district late on Sunday, police said.Elsewhere two policemen, two militants and two civilians died in separate firefights on Monday.Indian security officials say violence and infiltration in Kashmir has increased in recent weeks, despite thick snow on mountain passes on the Kashmir border, apparently taking authorities by surprise.To provide adequate security, voting has been staggered over five phases in Kashmir, where separatist militants have called for a boycott, saying New Delhi is trying to boost the legitimacy of its rule in the region, which both India and Pakistan claim, by holding elections.Last year state polls in the troubled Himalayan region had a turnout of more than 60 per cent, a boost for New Delhi, though many saw it as a vote for better governance rather than acceptance of Indian rule.