Woman killed, 9 wounded during protests near gunfight site in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- A woman was killed and nine others wounded Tuesday after government forces fired at agitating protesters near a gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The clashes broke out at village Batmuran of Shopian district, about 55 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"One young woman was brought dead to the hospital here today. She had a firearm wound in abdomen," a senior health official at Pulwama district hospital told Xinhua. "Besides this nine people were brought here and all of them were hit by pellets."

Reports said clashes broke out in the village following the killing of two militants in an overnight fierce gunfight. The government forces have laid down cordon around the area and suspected the third militant was still in the village.

Authorities have suspended internet services in the area, fearing it would mobilize people to stage protests near the gunfight site.

"The villagers came out in the morning shouting anti-India slogans and hurling stones on government forces," a police official said.

"The government forces fired warning shots and tear gas to chase assembled people as their interruptions were affecting the ongoing search operation."

The slain woman was identified as 24-year-old Beauty Jan of Batmuran village.

People assembling at gunfight sites in support of militants and attacking government forces with stones have evolved as a new phenomenon of resistance in the region. Despite reprimand from police and army to stay away from gunfight sites, people continue to ignore calls and readily defy restrictions.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the psyche of majority of Kashmiris. Irate residents often take to roads and clash with police. The youth throw stones and brickbats on contingents of police and paramilitary, who respond by firing tear smoke shells, pellets and bullets, which often proves fatal.

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. Enditem