Rebels, soldiers, civilians killed in spiraling clashes
SRINAGAR, India — Huge protests against India erupted in several parts of the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir on Sunday amid fierce fighting between rebels and government forces that killed at least 12 militants and three army soldiers, officials said.
At least four civilians were killed and dozens injured in the latest round of protests, which broke out after Indian troops launched counterinsurgency operations targeting mainly the southern parts of disputed Kashmir, where rebels have revived militancy and challenged New Delhi’s rule with both weapons and social media.
In recent years, Kashmiris, mainly youths, have displayed open solidarity with anti-India rebels and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations against the militants. The protests have persisted despite the Indian army chief warning recently that tough action would be taken against stone throwers during counterinsurgency operations.
Thousands of Kashmiris hit the streets Sunday, demanding an end to Indian rule over Kashmir as troops launched antirebel operations in three southern villages.
The gunbattles — the deadliest this year in Kashmir — began overnight after government forces raided the villages following a tip that rebels were hiding there, police said. They said that after the forces came under fire, the militants tried to escape from a security cordon while firing their guns and grenades but were killed in the ensuing fighting.
At least 11 militants, including some commanders, were killed in two separate gunbattles in the Shopian area, while one rebel was killed and another captured in Anantnag, said top police officer S.P. Vaid.
Three soldiers were killed and at least six police and soldiers were wounded, Vaid said.
Local residents said soldiers blasted several civilian homes with explosives while fighting the militants.
The Indian army’s chief in Kashmir, Lt. Gen. A.K. Bhatt, warned the militants to give up their arms or they would be “neutralized.”
Top separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Sunday’s violence was “more havoc for Kashmiris, who are at the receiving end of execution and repression.”
Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or become an independent country.