Daily Times

SRINAGAR: At least two suspected ‘rebels’ were killed overnight in a gunfight with troops in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK) near the Line of Control, the Indian Army said on Saturday, adding that two soldiers were also killed in the incident.

Colonel NN Joshi said the firefight occurred in Naugam sector, some 120 kilometres northwest of the main city of Srinagar, after soldiers intercepted the ‘militants’ attempting to ‘infiltrate’ the territory. More than 50 people have been killed and thousands injured in weeks of unrest in IHK, sparked by the death on July 8 of popular young leader Burhan Wani in a firefight with Indian forces. Nearly 100 protesters were injured in clashes on Friday due to use of excessive force by Indian authorities trying to block a rally called by separatist groups opposed to the Indian rule. A curfew continued to be in force across large parts of the territory for the 22nd consecutive day on Saturday. Schools and businesses remained shut and Internet services suspended, although mobile networks have been partially restored.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, people staged forceful demonstrations in Srinagar, Budgam Ganderbal, Lolab, Kupwara, Trehgam, Kralpora, Handwara, Rafiabad, Tangmarg, Baramulla, Bandipora, Islamabad, Bijbehara, Khudwani, Kaimoh, Kulgam, Pulwama, Kakpora, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral and Shopian areas throughout the day. The demonstrations were aimed at registering protest against the killing of innocent civilians by Indian troops. The protesters raised high-pitched pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans. Pakistani flags were also waved at several places. The Indian Army, paramilitary and police personnel resorted to firing bullets, pellets and teargas shells to disperse the protesters.