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Troops kill 2 militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 24, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Two
militants were killed on Wednesday in a fierce gunfight with troops in
restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
The gunfight broke out in Nowgam area of Srinagar city, the summer capital
of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
“In a gunfight that broke out here today at Sothu Kothair of Nowgam here,
two militants were killed,” Indian army spokesman in Srinagar Col Rajesh
Kalia told Xinhua.
Police said the area was cordoned off early Wednesday following specific
intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.
Local media reports quoting senior police official VK Birdi said six
government forces personnel were wounded fighting the militants during the
stand-off.
The slain militants were identified as local cadres of Lashkar-e-Toiba
(LeT) hailing from southern Anantnag district, reports said.
Meanwhile, massive clashes broke out in the area with youth taking to the
streets to disrupt the operation in a bid to help militants escape.
The local administration has ordered closure of all schools and educational
institutions in Srinagar.
Mobile internet services were suspended in Srinagar and southern districts
fearing it would help intensify anti-India protests.
On Sunday three militants were gunned down in a similar gunfight in Kulgam
district, and later seven civilians were killed after a blast went off near
the gunfight site.
A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed
in the region since 1989.
BSS/XINHUA/GMR/1301 hrs