NEW DELHI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- At least four Indian army troopers, including an officer, were killed in a gunfight with militants in restive Indian-controlled Kasmir, local media reports said Tuesday.
The gunfight broke out Monday night in Desa forests of Doda district, about 205 km southeast of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.
According to the Indian army, joint contingents of police and army troops launched a search operation inside the forest area following which a gunfight broke out between the two sides.
"Initial reports suggest injuries to our brave hearts. Additional troops have been moved into the area," a statement issued by the army late Monday night said. "Operations are continuing."
Officials are yet to confirm the deaths.
However, local media reports quoting army sources said of the five wounded troopers, four have succumbed.
This is the second major attack in the region during the past eight days. Last week five troopers were killed and five others wounded after militants ambushed their convoy in the region's Kathua district.
Two Indian army troopers and six militants were also killed in two separate gunfights in the region's Kulgam district last week.
There has been an increase in militant attacks in the region which have once again raised concerns about the security situation in the disputed Himalayan region.
A guerilla war has been going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989.
The militants often target government force personnel either with grenade attacks or resort to firing. ■
