Woman killed during gunfight in Indian Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A woman was killed and seven other people wounded during a firefight between suspected rebels and government forces in Indian-administered Kashmir, police and hospital authorities said.

A battle broke out after soldiers and special counterinsurgency police forces surrounded a neighbourhood in the southern Dialgam village, acting on a tip off that armed militants were hiding in the area.

“The lady was killed while we were laying a cordon,” InspectorGeneral of Police Muneer Ahmed Khan said.

He said two to three militants were firing from inside a home in which at least six other civilians were caught up.

“The militants are using them as human shields,” he said.

Witnesses disputed the police account and said neighbours went to the house where the rebels were holed up to help them as the soldiers arrived.

“They (the civilians) told the soldiers from inside the house to either let the rebels go or kill

The militants are using them as human shields.

Muneer Ahmed Khan

them as well,” said a resident of Dialgam who declined to give his name.

As gunshots were heard in the area, hundreds of villagers came out on to the streets shouting anti-India slogans and throwing stones at soldiers in their attempt to break the cordon and help the rebels escape.

A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity said seven people were injured as government forces fired into the crowds.

Hospital authorities confirmed the injuries and said one person was critically wounded in his head.

Authorities cut off some mobile phone services in the area following the firefight.