2nd LD Writethru: 2 civilians killed in clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least two youth were killed and several others wounded Tuesday after government forces fired upon protesters near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The clashes broke out at village Durbugh in Chadoora of Budgam district, about 22 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two young men were brought dead to hospital today. Both had bullet wounds (one in neck and another in chest) and it seemed they had succumbed on way to hospital," Nazir Hussain Chowdary, medical superintendent at Srinagar's SMHS hospital, told Xinhua. "Two others who were received in wounded condition are being treated."

Clashes erupted in the village immediately after a gunfight between militants and Indian army broke out. Police officials said locals, mostly youth, took to roads and attacked policemen and Indian army troopers in an apparent bid to end cordon.

"The locals threw stones and brickbats on contingents of police and army and even targeted the paramilitary reinforcements with the motive to disrupt the cordon and help besieged militants to escape," a senior police official posted in the area said.

Reports said over a dozen people were injured in the clashes.

According to the police official, the village was cordoned off following specific intelligence information about presence of militants in the area.

"We believe two militants are holed up inside a house and that has been encircled," the police official said. "Intermittent exchange of fire is going on between the two sides since morning."

Meanwhile, the civilian killings have intensified protests in the area with people pouring in large numbers to participate.

"We are trying to ascertain the details from gunfight site. The moment we have full details, we will share it with you," Indian army spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said.

On Sunday, two militants belonging to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) outfit were killed in a gunfight with police in Pulwama district. Thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of the slain militants on Monday.

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