Indian troops kill 2 pro-independence fighters in Kashmir

India’s government troops have killed two pro-independence fighters in the Indian-controlled Kashmir after the fighters launched an attack against an army post in the disputed Himalayan region.

Indian security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said pro-independence fighters opened fire and lobbed grenades at the Mesar Camp of the 82 Armored Regiment in Samba district, located some 350 kilometers (217 miles) south of Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, at around 5:50 a.m. local time (0020 GMT) on Saturday, triggering a gunfight.

The officials added that Indian troops responded to firing from the fighters, and killed two of them in the process.

A civilian, who was passing by the area, was caught up in the firefight and suffered gunshot wounds.

Indian forces later launched an operation to ensure there are no more pro-independence fighters in hiding.

The development comes a day after six people were killed in a fierce exchange of fire between a group of armed men and Indian security forces in the Kathua district of Kashmir.

Kashmir has been the scene of violent clashes in recent years. Indian troops are in constant clashes with the fighters seeking independence in the area.

Indian government forces have also responded by imposing curfews and restrictions on the movement of people.

An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard on a deserted street during a curfew in Kashmir’s main city of Srinagar, India, on December 8, 2014. (© AFP)

Indian authorities have also deployed large contingents of police and paramilitary troops to most parts of Srinagar and several other major towns to prevent street demonstrations.

Kashmir lies at the heart of more than 67 years of hostility between India and Pakistan. Both neighbors claim the region in full but have partial control over it.

The neighbors agreed on a ceasefire in 2003, and launched a peace process the following year. Since then, there have been sporadic clashes, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire.

Thousands of people have been killed in Kashmir unrest over the past two decades.