(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-22 10:00

Srinagar - Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir have arrested a paramilitary soldier for alleged links with Islamic rebels fighting against Indian rule in the Himalayan region, an official said.

The Central Reserve Police Force soldier, Mudasir Yousuf Bhat, was arrested Wednesday in Pulwama, a town 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Srinagar, Indian Kashmir's main city, Hemant Lohia, a senior police officer, said Thursday.

Lohia said a crude bomb, hand grenade and five bullets were recovered from the soldier.

"We're convinced that the soldier has some links with militants and have registered a case against him," Lohia said, adding that police are conducting further investigations.

In 2006, three Indian soldiers and two state policemen were detained for alleged links with the Islamic militant group Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, which New Delhi blames for several bombings.

The policemen were later removed from service, though government officials declined to comment on whether the charges were ever proven. The army also never commented on the status of the detained soldiers.