Indian forces kill 6 'militants' crossing into held Kashmir

Published December 3, 2014
In this photo, an Indian Border Security Force soldier patrols the India-Pakistan border area of Golpattan, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu. — AP/File
In this photo, an Indian Border Security Force soldier patrols the India-Pakistan border area of Golpattan, about 35 kilometers west of Jammu. — AP/File

HANDWARA: Soldiers killed six militants near the border with Pakistan in the Indian-held Kashmir, the army said on Wednesday, in the biggest single-day shootouts in months at the heavily militarised border.

The encounter took place in Kupwara in northern Kashmir late on Tuesday, hours after voters turned out for a state election that separatists and militants are in opposition of.

One soldier was killed and four wounded in the gunbattle that lasted several hours, an army officer said.

India has been worried this year that Pakistan-based militant groups fighting foreign forces in Afghanistan will turn their attention to Kashmir once the pullout is completed there.

Last week militants wearing army uniforms attacked an Indian army base near the border with Pakistan, leaving 10 people dead in the worst militant violence inside the disputed state in more than a year.

Tuesday's bid to breach the fenced border took place even after heavy snow blocked routes in the mountains, the army officer said. “They have used sophisticated equipment to infiltrate through the snow,” he said.

Traditionally the infiltration takes place in the summer months because the high mountain passes are closed off in winter.

Tens of thousands of people, weary of decades of strife, have been taking part in the staggered vote that will end later this month.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party is making an audacious bid to win power in Muslim-majority Kashmir, promising voters the fruits of development like the rest of the country.

Opinion

Editorial

Ill omens
Updated 12 Feb, 2025

Ill omens

One wonders whether institutional leadership realises the long-term ramifications of the ongoing "remaking" of judiciary.
Sunken dreams
12 Feb, 2025

Sunken dreams

ANOTHER tragedy has struck Pakistani migrants seeking a better future. A boat capsizing off the Libyan coast has ...
Hate in India
12 Feb, 2025

Hate in India

HISTORY shows that rulers use hate speech to provoke hate crimes and ‘othering’ among communities. Indian Prime...
IMF scrutiny
Updated 11 Feb, 2025

IMF scrutiny

Strengthening foundations of the economic superstructure will help make the economy competitive and boost growth.
Shadow voices
11 Feb, 2025

Shadow voices

OVER the weekend, another ‘open letter’ addressed to the army chief and attributed to former prime minister ...
Paradise at a premium
11 Feb, 2025

Paradise at a premium

PAKISTAN’S recent triumph at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025, winning the Best Partner Pavilion Award,...