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MOSCOW, Monday (AFP) Russia called on Pakistan Sunday to crack down on Islamic militants, saying it must break the "links in the chain" of terrorism after an attack on Hindus in Kashmir left 27 dead.

"The first condition for ending terror in Kashmir is the fulfillment by Pakistani authorities of their duties to put an end to terrorist group activities in Pakistan-controlled territories," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

In what India said was an attack sponsored or encouraged by Pakistan, Islamic militants disguised as Hindu holy men attacked a mainly-Hindu shantytown in southern Kashmir late Saturday.

India said the attackers lobbed grenades and opened fire randomly at residents in Jammu, who were mainly laborers, killing 27.

"Behind this villanous act hides forces who would like to work against the gradual lowering of tensions between India and Pakistan," the ministry said.

Russia compared the Jammu massacre to a grenade attack launched against European tourists Saturday in remote northwest Pakistan, calling both "links in the same chain of international terrorism."

Russia maintains a close relationship with India, which is one of its main buyers of weapons and military equipment.

France also condemned Saturday's attack but stopped short of sending a direct message to Pakistan.

In a statement released Sunday, the foreign ministry said it "vigorously" condemned the attacks, adding that such acts "require that everyone hold true to their responsibilities in order to avoid a build-up of further violence."

French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha to express sympathy for the victims' families and the more than 35 people wounded, the ministry said. 

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