3 militants, trooper killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfights

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir - Three militants and a trooper were killed Thursday in two separate gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfights between militants and government forces broke out in southern Anantnag and Budgam districts, while a civilian was shot dead in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Anantnag district.

"An army trooper and a militant were killed today in a pre-dawn gunfight in Dooru village of Anantnag," Indian army spokesperson, Col Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua. "Later on two militants were killed in Budgam."

According to police officials, both the areas were cordoned off on specific intelligence information, suggesting presence of militants

A civilian was killed in Srinagar's Noorbagh locality during an early morning raid, locals said.

The killing triggered massive protests and demonstrations in the capital city.

Police have yet to make a statement about the killing.

Reports said clashes broke out in several parts of the city against the killing despite heavy police and paramilitary deployments.

Residents took to roads in Srinagar and threw stones at government forces, who responded by firing tear smoke shells and warning shots.

Meanwhile, reports said a non-local working with India's Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was killed during an army ambush in Chowkibal area of frontier Kupwara district, northwest of Srinagar early Thursday.

The region's separatist groups have called for a shutdown on Friday against the killings in the region at the hands of Indian forces.

Militant groups opposing New Delhi's rule are engaged in a guerilla war with Indian troops in the region since 1989. Gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently.