Attacks by suspected militants in Kashmir wound seven troops in India

The first attack took place in Srinagar's Nowhatta neighborhood when suspected rebels attacked troops.
Indian policemen run towards the site of a gunbattle in Srinagar, Kashmir, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. | AP
Indian policemen run towards the site of a gunbattle in Srinagar, Kashmir, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. | AP

SRINAGAR: At least seven paramilitary troops were wounded, three critically, after suspected rebels sprayed them with gunfire in the main city of troubled Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

K.K. Sharma, a top official of the Central Reserve Paramilitary Force, said the attacks came as India celebrated the anniversary of its independence from Britain.

The first attack took place in Srinagar's Nowhatta neighborhood when suspected rebels attacked troops on patrol to enforce a curfew. Sharma said a gunbattle with rebels was ongoing.

The second attack, similar in nature, took place in the Khanyar neighborhood.

The Himalayan region has been under curfew for almost six weeks since angry street protests broke out after Indian troops killed an iconic rebel leader in a gunbattle.

The attacks come a day after Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day and tens of thousands of residents rallied in Indian Kashmir and hoisted Pakistani flags and chanted "Long Live Pakistan" and "Go India, go back."

At least 40 people were injured in clashes between rock-throwing protesters and government forces who fired shotgun pellets and tear gas in many places across the region, officials said.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in its entirety by both.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training Kashmiri rebels who have been fighting for independence or for a merger with Pakistan since 1989. Pakistan denies the charge, saying it provides only moral and political support.

More than 68,000 people have been killed since rebel groups began fighting Indian forces in 1989 and in a subsequent Indian military crackdown.

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