Troops kill 2 militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

Two militants were killed in a gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Monday.

The gunfight broke out at Waripora area of Handwara in frontier Kupwara district, about 87 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two militants were killed in a brief gunfight in Waripora village of Handwara yesterday," a police spokesman said. "Acting on a specific information regarding the presence of militants, police along with army launched a search operation, during which militants present in the area fired upon the search party. The fire was retaliated, ensuing in gunfight."

Police said, the slain militants belonged to Lashker-e-Toiba and their identities were being ascertained.

Indian army or police have not suffered any casualty or damage in the standoff.

The police spokesman claimed recovery of assault rifles and ammunition from the gunfight spot.

"Two assault rifles and two pistols along with some ammunition have been recovered from the gunfight site," the spokesman said.

Last week an Indian army officer was kidnapped and subsequently killed by militants in the region. The officer was at home on leave and had gone to attend wedding ceremony of his cousin.

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.

Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule 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