2 soldiers, 2 rebels killed in Kashmir fighting
SRINAGAR, India (AP) — An Indian official says two army soldiers and two suspected rebels have been killed in a fierce gunbattle in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Paramilitary officer Nalin Prabhat says the fighting began late Friday after Indian troops and police surrounded Karewa Malino village in southern Kashmir and launched a search for suspected militants there.
Prabhat says fresh fighting erupted Saturday after one militant opened fire on soldiers.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan though it is claimed by both. There are frequent bouts of violence during the warmer months as anti-India rebels step up demands for independence or merger with Pakistan.
About 68,000 people have been killed since 1989 in the conflict. While the armed rebellion has largely been suppressed, anti-India resentment still runs deep.
