Indian troops kill 2 militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Two militants were killed Saturday in a gunfight with contingents of Indian troops and the police in the restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight broke out at Thakgund village of Rafiabad in Baramulla district, about 60 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"A gunfight broke out this morning in Rafiabad, during which two militants were killed," a police spokesman said. "The identity of the slain militants is being ascertained."

The gunfight began after troops in the area were fired upon by the holed-up militants, according to police.

"The operation to track down militants was carried out on an intelligence input suggesting presence of militants in the area," the spokesman said.

Reports said the gunfight lasted for more than two hours.

According to police officials Indian troops have not suffered any damage in the stand-off.

Last month, two militants, an Indian military officer and a policeman were killed in a similar gunfight in the region.

Militant groups are engaged in guerrilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.

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. Endi