Four Indian Soldiers Killed in Separate Encounters in Kashmir

An Indian army soldier keeps vigil near the site of a gunbattle with suspected militants.

 
New Delhi, 18 Jumadil Awwal 1438/15 February 2017 (MINA) – The Indian Army said on Tuesday that at least four soldiers and four militants were killed in two separate encounters in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian security forces killed three militants in a gunfight that took place Kashmir’s Kupwara district this evening, the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted defence spokesman Rajesh Kalia saying.

An Indian army officer, identified as Maj. S. Dhaiya, was killed due to the injuries sustained during the encounter, according to the sources.

Earlier today, the Indian authorities announced that three soldiers and a gunman were killed in a gunfight that took place in Hajin area of Bandipora district of Kashmir.

The fight coincided with a security operation in Parray Mohalla in Hajin following information that militants are hiding in the area.

As the forces came closer the militants began firing and in the ensuing intense exchange of fire three Indian soldiers and one militant were killed while six security personnel and a civilian sustained injuries.

These attacks came within 48 hours after the killing of two Army personnel and four militants in an encounter in Kulgam district of Kashmir.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting and funding the armed groups in Kashmir, claims which Islamabad denies and insists Kashmir people are defending their freedom. (T/RS05/RS01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)