4 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Four militants were killed Monday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, army sources said.

The gunfight between militants and joint contingents of army and police broke out at village Drussu of Pulwama district, about 39 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"This morning in a fierce gunfight between militants and troops, four militants were killed at village Drussu of Pulwama," an Indian army spokesman told Xinhua. "The identity of slain militants is being ascertained."

Police officials said the operation in the area was launched on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

"The firing started after government forces approached near the suspected area," a police official posted in the district said.

Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.