How many people have been killed since Islamists began to fight for independence

Officials in Indian Kashmir say suspected Muslim militants are holding two women as hostages in an Islamic center. The officials say one soldier was killed in a gunfight after security forces surrendered the building in the town of Punch. Few other details were released. More than 60,000 people have been killed in Kashmir since Islamists began fighting for the area’s independence or joining with Pakistan.

In Washington President Bush has met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori at the White House. Mr. Mori said he will take steps to restore Japan’s economy. The Prime Minister said he will seek to increase foreign investment in Japan and deal with bad loans made by banks. White House officials say the two leaders discussed Mr. Bush’s tax-cut proposal and efforts to limit the spread of weapons in Asia. On Monday in Tokyo, the Japanese Central Bank decided to lower interest rates to near zero in an effort to help the economy.