Two rebels, one soldier killed in Kashmir combat

Jul 4, 2009, 7:33 GMT

   Srinagar, Kashmir - At least two suspected Muslim militants and a soldier were killed in combat in India-administered Kashmir, police said Saturday.

   The encounter began in the Wadderabal forests in the Kupwara district, 90 kilometres north-west of state capital Srinagar, on Friday when a team of army and police spotted a group of rebels.

   'While one militant was killed on Friday evening another militant and a soldier were killed early Saturday,' a local police officer said requesting anonymity. Another soldier was wounded in the combat.

   Some automatic rifles and hand grenades were recovered from the scene.

   Police said the identity of the rebels was not ascertained as yet but they could be foreign nationals who had infiltrated into region.

   The disputed Kashmir region is divided into two parts, one administered by India and the other by Pakistan. The neighbours have fought two wars over the disputed region.

   More than 45,000 people have died in violence since a militant secessionist movement emerged in the 1980s.

   India has alleged that militants trained and supported by Pakistan regularly infiltrate into its part of Kashmir to launch attacks.

   Islamabad has denied the charge. It says the movement is indigenous and calls the Kashmiri militants 'freedom fighters.'