2nd Ld Writethru: 2 militants, civilian killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

Two militants were killed and two Indian military troopers wounded Monday in a fierce gunfight in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

A civilian was also killed after being hit by a bullet fired by government forces to quell protesters in the area.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out late Sunday evening at village Redwani of Kulgam district, about 58 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian- controlled Kashmir.

"Two militants have been killed in a gunfight today at Redwani, " Indian military spokesperson Col N N Joshi told Xinhua. "Our two troopers were also wounded fighting these militants."

According to Joshi, the wounded troopers were immediately evacuated to a military base hospital in Srinagar for medical treatment.

"The gunfight started late last evening and we had to suspend it because of the poor visibility. The firing started again this morning and ended with the killing of two militants," Joshi said.

"We have recovered two assault rifles from the gunfight site, and identity and group affiliation of the slain militants is being ascertained," he added.

Locals said both the slain militants were local cadres.

Joshi, however, denied commenting on the killing of a civilian during the gunfight.

Locals said the civilian, Asif Ahmad, was hit by a bullet during overnight clashes and succumbed in hospital.

Reports said government forces fired on protesters, who tried to break off cordon during the gunfight by throwing stones in a bid to help militants escape from the area.

The civilian killing has triggered further protests in the area.

Following the culmination of gunfight, government forces left the spot.

A residential house from where the militants were firing on Indian military positions has been blown up with mortars and explosive devices, eyewitnesses said.

Reports said thousands of people from adjoining villages gathered in the village to mourn the death of the civilian and two militants, besides participating in their funeral prayers.

The people including women and young children were shouting slogans demanding freedom from India.

A separatist movement and guerrilla war challenging New Delhi's rule have been 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. Endi