Policeman killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir militant attack

A policeman was killed and another wounded Wednesday after militants fired upon them in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

Following the attack militants snatched service rifle of one of the wounded policeman and fled away.

The attack was carried out in the evening at Monghama village of Pulwama district, about 38 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"A policeman guarding a local politician was fired upon by militants this evening at village Monghama and in the attack another policeman in civvies standing close by was also hit," a senior police official said. "Both were taken to hospital but the one in civvies succumbed to the bullet wounds."

Police officials said the policeman in uniform was guarding a pro-Indian politician, who had come to attend a marriage party in the village.

Soon after contingents of Indian police and paramilitary were rushed to the spot to nab the assailants. However until late no arrests were made.

The attack created panic in the village. So far no militant out fit has claimed responsibility of the attack.

Wednesday's attack is the third one on Indian policemen in the past three days. On Monday three policemen were killed and a service rifle snatched in two separate militant attacks in Srinagar city.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. However, of late Indian policemen too have been trained to fight them.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old youth was killed by unknown gunmen on Wednesday in Handwara area of Kupwara district, northwest of Srinagar city.

Reports said the youth was working as porter with Indian army. Police suspect the hand of militants in his killing.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.

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. Endit