3 separatists killed in Kashmir

Indian security forces killed three separatist fighters, while suspected militants shot dead a migrant worker on one of the bloodiest days in Kashmir since New Delhi revoked the  disputed region’s autonomy and special status more than two months ago.

The killings on Wednesday were the first since mobile telephone services were restored as part of gradual relaxation of security measures taken to curb violent unrest in Jammu and Kashmir state.

The government had cut off telephone and internet lines before it revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special rights on August 5, striking down long-standing constitutional provisions for the Muslim-majority region that is also claimed by neighbouring Pakistan.

A security lockdown is still largely in place, and broadband and mobile internet connections remain unavailable to most Kashmiris.

The militants killed on Wednesday died during a gun battle after soldiers, acting on a tip-off, raided a village in south Kashmir, two police sources said.

‘Three terrorists were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter,’ Kashmir police said in a statement. ‘Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, was recovered.’

In a separate incident in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, suspected militants shot dead a migrant worker from Chhattisgarh state, in central India, in an execution-style killing, police said.

‘Area has been cordoned and searches are going on,’ Kashmir police said in a tweet.

Sagar, who worked as a labourer at brick kiln, was walking along a railway track in the Kakapora area when he was stopped by two people. ‘He was shot in the head,’ a police official said.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net