[DAWN] Five Kashmiris were killed in fighting with government forces in Indian Kashmiree on Sunday, reports said, triggering anti-India festivities in which at least 10 civilians were maimed.The fighting began after Indian government forces cordoned off a village in the Himalayan region's southern Kulgam area. Exchange of gunfire was reported in which five armed Kashmiris were killed.
According to the Kashmire Media Service, a search operation was jointly carried out by the personnel of Indian army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operation Group of police. A house was also destroyed by Indian troops during the aggression by Indian forces.
It said the dear departed Kashmiris were identified as Waseem Bashir Rather, Zahid Parray, Idrees Butt, Aaqib Nazir, and Pervez Butt.
The Kashmire Media Service also reported that mobile phone and Internet services were suspended in the district. Train services have also been suspended in south Kashmire, it said.
The fighting sparked protests and festivities as hundreds of residents tried to march to the site of the clash in solidarity with the Kashmiri fighters. The protesters were chanting slogans and demanding end to India's occupation of the region.
Indian forces fired shotgun pellets and tear gas at the protesters, who threw stones and snowballs at them. At least 10 civilians were maimed and were taken to hospitals, medics and local residents said.