1st Ld Writethru: 4 militants, 2 troopers killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

Four militants and two Indian army troopers were killed, while three others wounded Sunday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, military officials said.

The gunfight broke out at Frisal village of Kulgam district, about 55 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Early today our contingents launched a cordon and search operation in Frisal village on specific intelligence inputs about presence of militants in the area. No sooner the men reached the suspected house, militants fired indiscriminately causing wounds to five troopers," a senior police official told Xinhua.

According to police the militant action triggered a fierce gunfight in the village.

Of the five wounded troopers, two succumbed to their wounds, while as three were airlifted to army base hospital in Srinagar.

"In a gunfight today at Frisal, four militants were killed," Indian military spokesman, Col Rajesh Kalia said.

Kalia said they have recovered four assault rifles belonging to militants from the spot.

Police officials said the identity of slain militants was being ascertained.

Local media reports said some militants have managed to break off the cordon during the gunfight and fled from the village.

A local resident Mushtaq Ahmad said he heard the sound of heavy gunfire and blasts in the village since early morning.

Reports pouring in from the area said massive protests have broke out in the village with people hurling stones and brickbats at police and army contingents, besides shouting anti-India slogans.

Militant groups are engaged in a 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. Endit