SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Two militants and their associate were killed, while a trooper wounded Friday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
The gunfight broke out at village Dragad Sugan area of Shopian district, about 55 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"The exchange of fire between the two sides lasted for several hours," a senior police official posted in Shopian told Xinhua.
Locals said the three slain were local cadres of the region's indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). However, police said only one has been identified while the identity of other two was being ascertained.
Authorities have suspended mobile internet service in the district and adjoining area in wake of the gunfight.
On Wednesday government forces launched search operations in two villages in Kulgam and Shopian districts. However, locals clashed with the police at both the places, forcing government forces to call off operation and thereby helping militants escape. A civilian was killed and 70 others injured in these clashes.
On Thursday two militants were killed in a similar stand-off in Sopore.
Meanwhile, in a separate ongoing gunfight in Marwah area of Kishtwar district, two policemen were wounded, police said.
Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.
