HOSTAGES MAY HAVE BEEN SHOT

Militant Kashmiri separatists claim two of five hostages they're holding were wounded in crossfire during a gun fight with Indian forces, though who was injured and how badly was not mentioned in the rebel statement. A New Delhi official, Ramamohan Rao, called the account "baseless." At least 12 search parties of federal agents, police and nomads have been combing northern India for two Britons, a German, a Norwegian, and an American since they were kidnapped on July 4. As worsening weather raised fears for the hostages' health, the separatist Al-Faran group reissued its threat to kill the hostages unless search crews were recalled and 21 Kashmiri guerrillas were set free from jail.Rebel Muslim groups have sought independence from India for five years.