Five Indian troops are killed in Kashmir by gunmen

At least five soldiers were killed when unidentified gunmen opened fire on an Indian army vehicle on Thursday in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, according to the army.

The army claimed that grenades were also likely hurled at the burning car in the Rajouri sector of the area. One soldier suffered critical injuries.

The army stated in a statement that “operations are in progress to locate the perpetrators.”

Army Chief General Manoj Pande has informed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the incident, according to a source in the ministry of defence.

The two nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan both claim complete control over Kashmir, although only in part. Security forces have been engaged in battle with militants in the area controlled by India for many years.

Three troops were killed in an attack by terrorists on an Indian army base in Rajouri in August of last year, and two of the assailants were also killed in the gunfight.

Longtime Kashmir insurgent supporter Pakistan has been charged by New Delhi of doing so. Islamabad refutes this charge, claiming that all it does is offer moral and diplomatic assistance to Kashmiris who are vying for self-determination.

(Reuters)