India News

Security forces kill seven militants in Indian Kashmir

Nov 16, 2007, 11:30 GMT

Srinagar, Kashmir - At least seven suspected Muslim militants were shot dead by security forces in two encounters in India-administered Kashmir on Friday, officials said. Indian Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel AK Mathur said six militants were killed in combat in the northern Kupwara district on Thursday evening. No soldier was injured in the clash which was continuing in the area, located 150 kilometres north-west of the state capital Srinagar. 'We are trying to find the identity and group affiliation of the militants but they were from different outfits and active in the area for the past few years,' Mathur added. In another encounter in the restive state, security personnel killed one militant in Kulgam area in south Kashmir. Separatist rebels have been fighting Indian rule for years in Kashmir, which is divided into two regions - one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. According to India's Home Ministry, more than 40,000 people were killed in the state from 1990 to 2006, including more than 13,000 civilians and 4,000 security force personnel. Independent estimates put the toll as high as 60,000. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the disputed Kashmir region since their independence from British rule in 1947. India has often accused Pakistan of aiding and abetting Kashmiri militants, a charge Islamabad denies. Pakistan calls Kashmiri militants freedom fighters. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

India News

Security forces kill seven militants in Indian Kashmir

On the Web

Your Talkback on this Story

Similar articles

Latest Headlines in India

Older Talkback

Like M&C on Facebook

Viral Web

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print