SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A woman was killed and several others wounded on Saturday as gunfight between militants and government forces broke out in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
The civilian woman was killed at village Brinthi-Batpora near Dailgam of Anantnag district, about 60 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Locals said the woman was killed after government forces fired upon protesters near a gunfight site. However, police spokesman said the woman was killed in crossfire between troops and holed up militants.
"After receiving specific information regarding presence of militants in Brinthi-Batpora village, security forces laid a cordon in the wee hours. While the cordon was being laid some militants out the house fired upon security personnel, which was retaliated. In the crossfire one woman was wounded, who later on succumbed to her wounds," police said.
The woman was identified as 40-year-old Tahira, a local resident.
Two to three militants are believed to have been holed up inside a house.
Police said efforts were underway to take out the civilians from the house where militants are present.
Reports said no sooner the government forces cordoned off the area to take on militants. Dozens of people, mostly youth, marched to the spot hurling stones and brickbats in a bid to help militants break through the siege.
Locals said government forces fired tear gas shells and bullets to scare away the protesters.
"A woman was killed and several people were wounded in police firing," a local said.
Meanwhile, the standoff between militants and the government forces was going on until last reports poured in.
People assembling at gunfight sites in support of militants and attacking government forces with stones has evolved as a new phenomenon of resistance in the region. Despite reprimand from police and army to stay away from gunfight sites, people continue to ignore calls and readily defy restrictions.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. Irate residents took to roads and clash with police. The youth throw stones and brickbats on contingents of police and paramilitary, who respond by firing tear smoke shells, pellets and bullets, which often proves fatal. The civilian killing is likely to fuel further protests in the region.
A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.
