Indian government troops clashed with anti-Indian government protesters early Monday 8th June 2020 at a village in Kahsmiri’s southern Shopian area.
According to an army spokesman, Col. Rajesh Kalia, soldiers launched search operations in the area acting on information that militants were hiding in the area.
Four militants were killed and three soldiers were wounded in a severe gunfire exchange between the militants and the government troops.
“As the soldiers launched search operations, soldiers and militants exchanged gunfire,“ said Kalia.
As the militants and government forces exchanged fire, protesters in their hundreds together with the rebels were seen marching in solidarity chanting slogans, seeking an end to Indian rules in the region.
The protesters were throwing stones at the government forces who dispersed the protesters by firing shotgun pellets and tear gas at them.
The gunfire exchange between the troops and the militants which was the latest in the series of several encounters came hours after five militants were killed by the government troop in the same area, which has resulted in clashes involving villagers in the area.
Recently as the government doubled effort in its counterinsurgency operations in the area of Kashmir there has been increase in the rate of violence as militants kept on attacking government forces and alleged informants.
Since last August when the government imposed federal rules on the religion revoking its semi-autonomous status and statehood, about a dozen of Indian troops and over two dozen militants have been killed especially in April.
Another bone of contention between the government troops and the militants is the border between Indian and Pakistan in between which Kashmir is situated.
This has in several months resulted in daily encounters with most Kashmiris supporting the rebels who are fighting for the territory to be united as an independent country or as a territory subject to Pakistani rules.
Accused by the Indian government for supporting the rebles, Pakistani government said it is only provides diplomatic support to the militants and Kashmiris who are against Indian rules.
