16 April 2005	Saturday	06 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1426

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SRINAGAR, April 15: Nine people, including three wanted commanders, were killed in various parts of occupied Kashmir during raids by Indian troops on Friday, the army said.

Soldiers killed four freedom fighters in a raid on their hideout in Budgam early on Friday, an army spokesman said, adding that a civilian had also died during the exchange of fire.

“Three of the slain militants were wanted commanders from the hardline al Badr group, including group’s chief commander General Omar,” he said.

Four houses and three cowsheds were destroyed during the fighting, residents said.

Another freedom fighter was shot dead in a separate raid by Indian troops in the Kulgam area, the spokesman said.

“Both clashes erupted when troops raided the hideouts on tip-offs,” he said. Police said a soldier and a militant were killed in another clash at a militant hideout in Rajouri area. Suspected Mujahideen shot dead an alleged army informer in Baramulla.—AFP