SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Two militants were killed Wednesday in a fierce gunfight with Indian troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out early Wednesday at village Pazalpora - Sopore in Baramulla district, about 53 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"Two militants were killed in gunfight in Sopore," Indian army spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua. "Two weapons have been recovered from the spot and operation is in progress."
The identity of the slain militants was being ascertained. However, unconfirmed reports said the militants belonged to region's indigenous militant outfit - Hizbul Mujahideen.
According to a police official, the area was cordoned off Tuesday night on specific intelligence inputs about presence of two militants in the village.
"The gunfight was triggered at around 3:30 a.m. (local time) after contingents of army and police zeroed on the suspected house," the official said. "The gunfight stopped at around 7:30 in morning."
Last week, three militants, including a commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit, were killed in a prolonged gunfight at village Aarwani of southern Anantnag district. Two civilians including a teenager were killed after being hit by bullets and several others wounded during the clashes that erupted in a bid to break cordon and help local militants escape.
A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. Gunfights often take place between the two sides.
