SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three Indian army troopers were killed and three others wounded on Thursday after militants ambushed them in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
One woman was also killed in the crossfire.
The army convoy was ambushed at village Moolu-Chitragam in Shopian district, about 56 km-south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
"Unknown militants attacked army at Moolu Chitragam at about 2:00 a.m. (local time) resulting in wounding six army personnel including two officers, of whom three succumbed to their wounds," a police spokesman in Srinagar said.
The troopers have succumbed at military base hospital in Srinagar owing to their critical condition, while as remaining ones are undergoing treatment.
Police said the army contingent was returning from a search operation from village Kungnoo in the district.
"On an information a cordon and search operation was carried out at Kungnoo Shopian by army and police. The operation concluded without any arrest or recovery," the spokesman said.
Reports said though the army retaliated to the militant fire but they seem to have escaped following the attack, taking advantage of darkness.
According to police, a woman was also killed during the crossfire incident in the village after being hit by bullets inside her house.
"A woman Taja who was hit by a stray bullet inside her house during the crossfire was also killed," police said.
Following the attack several contingents of police and army were rushed to the village.
A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in Indian- controlled Kashmir since 1989. The gunfight between the two sides takes place intermittently across the region.
Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.
