1st LD Writethru: 3 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Three militants were killed Monday in a gunfight with joint contingents of police and army in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight erupted Monday morning at village Hakura of Anantnag district, 75 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Pursuing credible leads of presence of militants, security forces started a search operation in the Hakoora area of Anantnag," a police spokesman said. "While the search was going on, the hiding militants fired upon the search party, which was retaliated triggering a gunfight that resulted in killing of three militants."

Of the three slain militants, police officials have identified two as local cadres - one hailing from Soura - Srinagar and another from Vailoo Kokernag of Anantnag.

"The identity of third one is being ascertained," the spokesman said.

The police claimed recovery of three assault rifles and some ammunition from the gunfight site.

The government forces have not suffered any damage in the stand-off, police said.

Authorities have ordered closure of schools and colleges in Srinagar, besides postponed examinations in schools and universities.

Reports said restrictions have been put in place in some parts of Srinagar and internet service has been suspended.

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