1st LD Writethru: Woman killed, 7 troopers wounded in militant attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir

One woman was killed in the crossfire and at least seven Indian army troopers were wounded some of them critically early Thursday after militants ambushed them in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The army convoy was ambushed at village Moolu-Chitragam in Shopian district, about 56 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Militants early today attacked vehicles of army in Shopian during which several of our men were wounded," a military spokesman based in Srinagar told Xinhua. "The wounded troopers were immediately hospitalised and we would share details about the incident after getting them collected fully."

Reports said the attack took place at around 2:00 a.m. local time when the troopers were returning from an anti-militancy operation.

"The convoy came under sudden attack in the village," a police official posted in Shopian said. "Though the army retaliated to the militant fire but they seem to have escaped following the attack, taking advantage of darkness."

According to police, a woman was also killed during the crossfire in the village after being hit by bullets inside her house.

Police officials said the wounded troopers include two officers of the army.

Following the attack several contingents of police and army were rushed to the village.

A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. The gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently across the region.

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