Militants ambushed an Indian military convoy in Kashmir on Wednesday, killing three personnel, in an escalation of violence that have tied down security forces for more than a month.
Indian Kashmir is in the midst of the worst unrest in six years that began early last month when security forces killed a young separatist commander Burhan Wani, who was idolized by some youth, provoking an outpouring of anger.
Police superintendent Imtiaz Hussain said militants were taking advantage of the unrest to launch attacks on security forces after years of declining violence.
Militants ambushed an army convoy early on Wednesday in the town of Baramulla, killing two soldiers, and then struck at a police jeep when it arrived, killing one policeman, he said.
“We were aware about the presence of the militants around Baramulla town for over a month but due to violence across Kashmir, they managed to consolidate and carry out an attack,” Hussain said.
At least 64 protesters have been killed and thousands injured during 40 days of unrest, while schools, shops, banks and offices remain closed in much of Kashmir as paramilitary troops patrol main roads, residential areas and mosques.
The turmoil has raised tension between India and Pakistan which invited New Delhi for talks on the disputed territory.
On Monday, militants attacked a police station in Indian Kashmir’s summer capital of Srinagar, killing an officer.
Pakistan denies giving material support to the Kashmir fighters and denounces rights abuses in Indian Kashmir. (Reuters)
