Army major among eight killed in Kashmir

Eight people, including an army major, have been killed in two ongoing gunfights between militants and security forces in north Kashmir, officials said today. Three soldiers, a major and four militants have been killed in the two gun battles in Shamsbari forests of Chokibal area in Kupwara district, Lieutenant Colonel J.S. Brar told reporters.

Eight people, including an army major, have been killed in two ongoing gunfights between militants and security forces in north Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.

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Three soldiers, a major and four militants have been killed in the two gun battles in Shamsbari forests of Chokibal area in Kupwara district, Lieutenant Colonel J.S. Brar told reporters.

"The encounters are still on at two places after they started three days back when troops cordoned off a forest area in Chokibal following information about the presence of terrorists there," the officer said.

Pakistani troops had Saturday fired at Indian positions in the Uri sector of the Line of Control (LoC), injuring one trooper. The exchange of fire between the two sides continued for nearly four hours.

Authorities here assert that Pakistani forces resort to such unprovoked firing to provide cover to guerrillas attempting to cross the LoC.