2nd LD Writethru: Five militants killed in two separate gunfights in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Five militants were killed Thursday in two separate gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, defense officials said.

The gunfights raged in Budgam and Sopore areas in south and northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Four militants were killed at village Fultipora - Pakharpora while as one militant was killed at Sagipura in Sopore," Indian army spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua.

The gunfight at both places were triggered after joint contingents of Indian military, paramilitary and police cordoned off the area on specific intelligence inputs about presence of militants.

According to police, an army trooper was wounded in Sopore.

Reports said eight youth were injured in clashes near the site of gunfight in Futlipora village. The youth took to the streets and pelted stones on government forces, who responded by firing teargas shells, pellets and warning shots.

Recently six militants and an Indian air force commando have been killed in a similar gunfight in Bandipora district of the region.

A guerrilla 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. Enditem