23 killed during week of violence in Kashmir

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Indian troops on Sunday killed six militants in a gun battle in the disputed region of Kashmir, the army said, as its forces stepped up operations in one of the bloodiest weeks of fighting this year, during which 16 militants and two soldiers were among 23 people killed.

The six militants were shot dead by troops in a village south of Srinagar in an operation launched early on Sunday, Indian army spokesman in Kashmir Colonel Rajesh Kalia said. One soldier was also killed in the operation.

Locals in the area clashed with Indian troops, pelting them with stones after the operation, while the troops retaliated by firing tear gas, pellets and live ammunition, said a police official, who was not authorized to speak to media.

A 15-year-old civilian was killed by security forces during the clashes, according to residents.

Indian policemen are seen at the scene during clashes with protesters in south Kashmir's Shopian district, November 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

In a separate incident, a foreign rebel was killed in Awantipora district, taking Sunday's death toll to nine, Al Jazeera reported.

So far this year, 411 people have been killed in Kashmir.

(Cover: Mother of Numan Ashraf, a 15-year-old killed by Indian government forces in clashes, mourns during his funeral in Kulgam south Srinagar, Kashmir, November 25, 2018. /VCG Photo)

(With inputs from Reuters)