India kills eight freedom fighters in held-Kashmir

[Qutb-ud-din Aybak]

Eight people were killed in Indian-held Kashmir Sunday after a gun battle broke out between Kashmiri freedom fighters and Indian army, officials said.

The freedom fighters were hiding in a south Kashmir village when Indian military and police surrounded it and a fight broke out.

“Four militants were killed and four weapons were recovered from the encounter site,” claimed army spokesman in Srinagar, Col Manish.

“Two soldiers were also killed and three injured during the encounter.”

Two civilians, including the son of the owner of the house in which the freedom fighters were hiding, also died, police told AFP.

Clashes occurred between Indian government forces and protesters in the aftermath of the battle and at least 25 people were injured including 12 with bullet injuries, authorities said.

Three freedom fighters managed to escape, and a heavy police contingent has been deployed in the area “to maintain law and order”, Indian police added.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they won independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety.

Several separatist groups have for decades fought tens of thousands of Indian troops deployed in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.
http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/02/12/indian-troops-kill-four-youth-in-held-kashmir/