Kashmir violence: 12-hour shoot-out ends with key rebel Junaid Ahmed Sehrai killed by Indian troops
- Junaid was a commander of the largest Kashmiri militant group Hizbul Mujahideen and the son of a top separatist leader
- Such clashes are a common occurrence in Kashmir but rare in Srinagar, and the siege marked the first shoot-out in the city’s centre for two years
Two Kashmir militants including a key rebel leader were killed by Indian government forces during a 12-hour gun battle in the restive region’s capital on Tuesday, authorities said.
Explosions and gunshots echoed through the densely populated neighbourhood, with streets largely empty as a result of a coronavirus lockdown that has kept most residents to their homes.
Paramilitary troops and police exchanged fire with militants after cordoning off part of the area.
Five homes were reduced to rubble during the battle and 10 others were severely damaged, residents said.
Junaid Ahmed Sehrai, a commander of the largest Kashmiri militant group Hizbul Mujahideen and the son of a top separatist leader, was killed in the clash, police said in a statement.
Another Hizbul Mujahideen member was also killed and four Indian police officers were wounded, the statement said.
Most mobile voice and internet services were cut across the city as the fighting kicked off and have yet to be restored.
