8 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir violence

At least eight militants, two troopers and two civilians were killed Sunday in violence in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The militants and troopers were killed in two separate gunfights, while two civilians were killed during subsequent clashes with government forces.

According to officials, seven militants were killed in village Draggad of Shopian district, while one militant was killed in village Dialgam of Anantnag district.

Both Shopian and Anantnag districts are located south of Srinagar.

"Some personnel from police, paramilitary and army were wounded in the standoff and unfortunately we lost two army troopers fighting the militants," region's Police Chief Shesh Paul Vaid said. "In Dialgam Anantnag we caught one militant alive and the other one who fired upon army was killed in the retaliatory fire."

According to police, a third gunfight is underway at village Kachdoora of Shopian district.

Locals said heavy clashes broke out between government forces and civilians following the killing of militants in Draggad and Kachdoora. The locals hurled stones at the police and army, who retaliated with gunfire.

Authorities have suspended Internet services in Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian districts, fearing it would mobilise crowds and intensify clashes and protests.

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.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)