Indian security forces shot dead five Mulsim militants Tuesday in two separate incidents in the restive northern state of Kashmir.
The two encounters took place early Tuesday in Bhadarwah district, around 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the Kashmiri winter capital Jammu.
"A total of five militants were killed, all of whom were identified as members of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit," said defense spokesman Major Sanjay Khanna.
"A large amount of arms and ammunition were seized from the dead militants," he added.
Hizbul Mujahideen announced a unilateral ceasefire earlier this year, but soon called it off, citing Indian intransigence over allowing Pakistan to participate in a peace dialogue over Kashmir.
The Muslim insurgency against Indian rule in Kashmir has claimed more than 34,000 lives since its launch in 1989 -- JAMMU (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
