Indian Forces Kill Armed Fighters In Kashmir’s Main City

At least three fighters killed in gun battle in Srinagar, raising the rebel death toll to more than 30 in past 20 days.

Three fighters have been killed in a shoot-out with Indian government forces in the heart of Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, police said on Sunday, two days after eight rebels were killed in another gun battle.

New Delhi has stepped up military operation in the disputed territory since the nationwide coronavirus lockdown was imposed in late March. Indian-administered Kashmir has been under a security lockdown since August last year when the Muslim-majority region’s limited autonomy was revoked.

The rebels were killed in a firefight in the Zoonimar area of the densely populated old city of Srinagar, a police officer who asked to remain anonymous told AFP news agency.

One home was destroyed during the clash.

This was the second such gun battle in the old city in a week and took the death toll of armed fighters to at least 100 this year. More than 30 rebels have been killed in the past 20 days of this month, according to the local media.

Rebel groups have fought for decades for the region’s independence or its merger with Pakistan and enjoy broad popular support.

Just over a month ago, the son of a top pro-independence leader and his associate were killed in the city.

The May incident – a day-long firefight that saw 15 homes blown up by police and soldiers – was the first armed encounter between rebels and government forces in Srinagar in two years.

See also  TMA1 CHM315 carbohydrate chemistry Question and Answer

The fighting has left tens of thousands dead, mostly civilians, since 1989, when armed rebellion erupted against Indian rule. 

India has more than 500,000 troops stationed in Kashmir, a Himalayan territory also claimed by Pakistan.

Source: Aljazeera

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*