Indian troops kill 3 militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

hree militants belonging to Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit (HM) were killed in an overnight gunfight with Indian troops on Thursday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight between militants and troops broke out on Wednesday evening at village Dadsara of Tral in Pulwama district, about 33 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Three militants were gunned down during a gunfight in Dadsara Tral today(Thursday)," a senior police official posted in Awantipora said. "The gunfight broke out after militants fired upon the search parties of police and army last evening triggering a gunfight."

Indian police and troopers, according to officials, have not suffered any damage in the stand-off.

According to police officials, joint contingents of military and police cordoned off the area following intelligence inputs suggesting presence of militants.

Locals said the exchange of gunfight continued throughout night and ended early Thursday.

Reports said the house from where militants were firing on army and police positions has been completely damaged due to firing.

Despite police advisory to people to remain away from gunfight sites, hundreds of local residents reportedly made an attempt to break the cordon and rescue militants during evening protests. However, police used dozens of tear smoke shells and warning shots to disperse the protesters.

The slain militants were identified as local cadres of HM, the region's indigenous militant outfit.

Police claimed recovery of three assault rifles and some ammunition from the gunfight site.

Last week three troopers including two officers, two paramilitary troopers and three militants were killed in neighbouring town of Pampore, where militants occupied a government building and engaged troopers in a gunfight that stretched for more than 48 hours.

Militant groups are engaged in guerilla 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.

Meanwhile hundreds of residents participated in the funeral procession of militants. The young men including women shouted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans while taking militants for burial. Endit