Indian forces kill two suspected militants, capture one in Kashmir

Indian forces have killed two suspected militants and captured another in an overnight gun battle in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, triggering protests from locals.

Police said a brief gunfight broke out with the militants in the early hours of Monday after Indian forces surrounded the village of Khudwanim upon a tip-off of their presence.

“Two militants (were) killed in an encounter with police, army and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force). One was arrested,” a police statement said.

Indian forces suffered no casualties in the encounter, according to the police.

The Indian raid brought hundreds of local residents onto the streets to protest the killings. They started to throw stones at government forces, who also fired tear gas to disperse them.

The recent standoff occurred just one day after Indian forces killed two other suspected militants and captured another in the southern Shopian area. The forces were engaged in a day-long gun battle with the militants.

Over 140 suspected militants have been killed so far this year in the restive Kashmir valley.

The region has been divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in full by both since the two partitioned and gained independence from Britain in 1947. 

Militant groups have also for decades been fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan.

SS