Soldiers kill 6 militants along Kashmir frontier

Troops carry out search operations in remote northwestern Keran sector

Agroup of militants sneaked into Jammu & Kashmir from the Pakistani side of the disputed territory yesterday, sparking a gun battle that left at least six suspected rebels dead, the Indian military said.

The fighting began early yesterday when soldiers intercepted a group of insurgents along the highly militarised de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, said Col. Rajesh Kalia.

He said soldiers were still carrying out search operations in the remote and forested northwestern Keran sector, where the incident occurred.

There was no independent confirmation.

Soldier killed

On Thursday, at least one soldier was killed and another wounded after suspected militants attacked an Indian patrol in the same area, the army said.

Security forces have announced a conditional ceasefire in Jammu & Kashmir druing Ramadan but made it clear that militants indulging in violence would not be spared.