Pakistani among two militants killed in Kashmir
By IANSFriday, June 18, 2010
SRINAGAR - A Pakistani was among two Islamist separatists gunned down by Indian security forces early Friday in Jammu and Kashmir, where a second gunfight erupted only hours later.
Two militants from the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM), including a Pakistani national, were killed in a fierce gun battle in Baramulla that began late Thursday and ended Friday morning.
Security forces encircled a house in Poshnag Kreeri village in Baramulla district, about 60 km from here, overnight after learning about the presence of the militants inside.
“As the security forces challenged the gunmen to surrender, they opened fire. The house in which the militants were hiding was destroyed,” said a police officer.
The Pakistani was identified as Sajjad. The other man was Janbaaz, a local Kashmiri, the officer said. Arms and ammunition were found at the site.
Pakistanis are known to be active in Jammu and Kashmir, where a separatist campaign that New Delhi says has Islamabad’s backing has left thousands dead since 1989.
Within hours, another gunfight broke out between another group of militants and security forces in Marvel village in Sopore district, about 60 km from Srinagar.
Rashtriya Rifles troopers and police battled the guerrillas in a house. An officer said four to six gunmen were holed up inside.
