SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- A militant and a civilian were killed while a trooper was wounded in an overnight gunfight between militants and contingents of army and police in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Friday.
The gunfight broke out at Kanelwan village near Bijbehara in Anantnag district, about 51 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"During search operation militants fired on the search party resulting in exchange of fire," the spokesman said, adding police recovered an assault rifle and some ammunition from the spot.
The slain militant, according to locals and police, was identified as Yawar Nissar Shergujri of Anantnag town, a local militant. Hundreds of people including young men and women attended his funeral procession and mourning.
Following his burial intense clashes broke out in Anantnag town.
On Thursday two Indian army troopers including an officer were killed and another trooper wounded while two militants were gunned down in two separate gunfights in the region.
Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. Irate residents take 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.
A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.
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.
