Two Indian border guards, one fighter killed in Kashmir

Clashes have broken out between Indian troops and militants in Kashmir, leaving two border guards and a fighter dead.

According to the local media reports, the Indian army confirmed on Monday that three persons were killed in a gunbattle near the de facto borderline known as the Line of Control. 

India often blames Pakistan for "rebel" attacks in the region, accusing Islamabad of giving arms to pro-independence fighters and sending them across the borderline to launch attacks on Indian forces. 

India has an estimated 500,000 soldiers deployed in the restive territory. 

Large parts of the territory, including Srinagar which is the largest city and the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, have been under a strict military curfew for the past month.

The region has been the scene of widespread anti-India protests, triggered by the killing of a popular pro-independence leader. Several deadly protests have followed since, with over 50 people killed and nearly 4,000 injured in the protests.

Tens of thousands of people have died in Kashmir since the late 80s when the armed rebellion against the Indian rule over the Himalayan territory began. 

SS