Indian army convoy ambushed in Kashmir, 2 soldiers dead

By Zahid Rafiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - Two soldiers were killed and four others wounded when suspected militants ambushed an Indian army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, according to a military source.

The attack took place in Qazigund area, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the capital, Srinagar, at around 11.15 a.m. when a military convoy was passing by a highway that connects the disputed region with India.

One of the injured soldiers is in critical condition, the source who wished to stay anonymous due to restrictions on talking to the media, said; the injured soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

The attack came a day after the Indian Army Chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, met five of his top seven army generals in Srinagar during a two-day long meeting. The meeting was seen as a move to boost the morale of the Indian army that is facing mounting resistance from Kashmiris in the region, with many people taking to the streets calling for independence from Indian rule.

Earlier this week, Rawat made controversial remarks, saying he would be happy if pro-independence Kashmiri protesters picked up guns since it would make it easier for him to deal with them.

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.

India and Pakistan have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965 and 1971 -- since they were partitioned in 1947, two of which were fought over Kashmir.

Kashmiri resistance groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan. More than 70,000 people have reportedly been killed in the conflict since 1989. India maintains more than half a million troops in the disputed region.