7 killed in latest conflict in Indian-controlled Kashmir
Iran Press TV
Wed Dec 3, 2014 2:20PM GMT
At least seven people have died in a gunfight between suspected militants and India's army in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Six suspected militants and one Indian soldier died in two days of fighting which started on Tuesday in the snowy and mountainous Naugam sector, Indian army spokesman, S.D. Goswami said on Wednesday.
The gun battle took place after militants were found crossing the border with Pakistan, in an area 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Indian Kashmir's main city of Srinagar.
Four soldiers received minor injuries during the fight.
The Indian army said the insurgents sought to disrupt elections, which are currently underway in the region.
On Tuesday, voters headed to polls during a second stage of assembly elections, meant to elect a local government for the disputed region.
Meanwhile, pro-independence and opposition groups in Kashmir have called for a boycott of the elections.
India and Pakistan lay claim to the whole region of Kashmir but each of them only controls a section of it.
New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control in 2003, and a year later launched talks aimed at brokering a regional peace.
The process was, however, suspended after over 160 people lost their lives in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.
GMA/HSN/SS
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
