Indian forces killed five Kashmiri fighters during a gunbattle in the occupied valley on Saturday, triggering violent anti-India protests in the disputed region. Indian troops laid a siege around a southern village in Qazigund area overnight on a tip that militants were hiding there, police said. A fierce gunbattle erupted early on Saturday, and hours later five local Kashmiri fighters, who belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen group, were killed, police said. The fighting sparked anti-India protests and clashes as hundreds of residents tried to march to the site of the battle in solidarity with the militants. Government forces fired warning shots, shotgun pellets and tear gas at the stone-throwing protesters, injuring at least six people. Most Kashmiris support the fighters while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian occupation. In recent years, mainly young Kashmiris have displayed open solidarity with the fighters and sought to protect them by engaging troops in street clashes during military operations. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown in the valley. Published in Daily Times, September 16th 2018.