Kashmir gunfights leave 8 militants, 2 troopers dead

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir: At least eight militants and two troopers were killed in separate gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir in the past 24 hours, officials said yesterday.

The gunfights raged across the region since Thursday morning.

“A total of eight militants and two troopers were killed in three different gunfights since yesterday morning,” a senior police official told Xinhua news agency.

Police officials said two militants and a trooper were killed yesterday morning in Sopore area of the Baramulla district.

“The gunfight began early today and so far, two militants were killed. A trooper was also killed while fighting these militants,” said Indian Army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia.

According to officials, the operation is underway. A trooper was killed Thursday night after militants attacked an army camp in Tral area of Pulwama district. However, militants managed to escape from the spot following the attack.

Meanwhile, the death toll of militants at Aarwani village of Anantnag district has risen to four. The gunfight began Thursday evening and continued until late night. The slain militants were identified as local cadres. Police officials said government forces did not suffer any damage in the stand-off.

On Thursday, two militants were killed at village Keeri of Baramulla in the day-long gunfight. Police officials said the

The gunfight began early today and so far, two militants were killed. A trooper was also killed while fighting these militants. Col Rajesh Kalia, Indian Army spokesman

gunfights were triggered after government forces cordoned off the villages on specific intelligence information suggesting the presence of militants.

Police officials have cautioned locals not to visit gunfight sites until they are cleared fully of explosive material.

The advisory comes in the wake of the killing of seven civilians in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that went off in Kulgam at the gunfight site following the culmination of the firefight.

On Wednesday, two militants were killed in a similar gunfight in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in the districts, fearing it would intensify protests. Locals said the ongoing week witnessed complete shutdown in the region over the killings and life remained paralysed.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. — Bernama