SRINAGAR, July 20: At least 30 people, including 22 militants and five security personnel, were killed in escalated violence in Kashmir Valley since last evening, even as security forces destroyed a militant camp in the inaccessible upper reaches of Pir Panjal ranges.

The dead include a second lieutenant and a deputy commandant.

Three suspected foreign mercenaries and a second lieutenant were killed in a fierce encounter at Nowshehra locality on the outskirts of Srinagar today. The encounter took place after a column of security forces raided a militant hideout in the area early today, sources said.

They said four security personnel, including a deputy commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF) and an inspector, were killed and six others were injured as militants exploded a powerful landmine at Chewa-Safapora.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.