* From: AFP
     * September 24, 2011 11:26PM

INDIA tested a medium-range nuclear-capable missile along its eastern
coast today, an official said, as part of the nation's efforts to build
up its atomic deterrent.

The indigenous surface-to-surface Shourya missile was fired from a range
in the eastern state of Orissa as a trial for the Indian army, said SP
Dash, director of the Integrated Test Range.

"The launch of the missile was perfect. It followed the path exactly to
the predefined target in the Bay of Bengal," Mr Dash said.

India's Defence Research Development Organisation is developing a series
of missiles as part of the country's deterrent strategy against
neighbouring Pakistan and China, which also have nuclear weapons.

The Shourya - built domestically and developed for the army - is being
fine-tuned after its debut in November 2008.

With a striking range of 700 kilometres, the missile uses solid
propellant and is capable of carrying a 1000 kilogram warhead.

Due to security concerns, authorities evacuated over 2000 people,
including women and children living close to the testing range, and
shifted them to temporary shelters.

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