Militant killing triggers clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Violent clashes broke out in Indian-controlled Kashmir Wednesday following the killing of a militant in an overnight gunfight, officials said.

The gunfight broke out Tuesday evening at Naina-Batpora village of Pulwama district, 38 km south of Srinagar city, summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Last evening, on credible information about presence of some militants, we cordoned off the village," a police official said. "No sooner we reached near the suspected house, the militants from inside fired a volley of bullets, thereby triggering a gunfight which is going on since then."

According to police a militant has been killed in the fierce exchange between two sides.

"Early morning a fresh exchange broke out and we have recovered body of one militant," the police official told Xinhua.

Locals said the house from where militants were firing on contingents of police and military has been pulled down by government forces using heavy artillery and explosive devices.

Police officials suspect there could be body of another militant underneath the debris.

The slain militant has been identified as a local cadre of Hizbul Mujahideen, the region's indigenous militant outfit.

Following the militant's killing, irate locals shouting anti-India slogans took to streets in the village and clashed with police. Police and troopers fired dozens of warning shots to chase the rock throwing protesters.

"Massive clashes are going on in the village," the police official said.

Reports said Baramulla-Banihal train service passing through the village has been suspended for the day in the wake of clashes. Endit