2 civilians, rebel killed in Kashmir battle

Two civilians were killed and several wounded during protests in the restive Indian-administered Kashmir Sunday, after a gun fight broke out between rebels and government forces, police said.
The gun battle was triggered after government troops — suspecting the presence of armed rebels — cordoned off the village of Kakpora, 35 km south of the main city of Srinagar.
One suspected militant was killed during the fighting, while a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least 20 protesters who came out of their houses in support of the rebels were hospitalized, many with gun shot wounds.
“One lady died in cross fire near the encounter site, and one protester reportedly died due to tear-smoke shell injury,” inspector general of police, Javid Gillani told AFP.
Witnesses however alleged that the woman, university student Shaista Hamid, died after soldiers fired randomly, charging toward a big group of angry protesters while she was standing by outside her home.
Militants fighting Indian rule enjoy wide support among residents who often come out on to the streets in their support during encounters with government forces. Several rebel groups have for decades fought an estimated half a million Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding independence or a merger of the region with Pakistan.
Source :Arab News