2 Indian soldiers killed in Kashmir

By Hilal Mir

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - Two Indian soldiers were killed in an attack by militants in Indian-administered Kashmir on Thursday, an army spokesman said.

The deceased, part of Indian army's quick reaction teams that are meant to respond to developing situations, came under heavy fire on the outskirts of Srinagar, Col. Rajesh Kalia said in a statement.

"Being a crowded area, troops exercised restraint to avoid any civilian casualties and collateral damage," the statement said.

Last month, Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbagh Singh told reporters that the forces carried out 75 operations and killed 180 militants this year.

At least 55 forces personnel were killed by militants this year, Singh said.

- Disputed Region

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, New Delhi and Islamabad have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965, and 1971 -- two of them over Kashmir.

Also, in Siachen glacier in northern Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani troops have fought intermittently since 1984. A cease-fire took effect in 2003.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands have reportedly been killed in the conflict since 1989.