Rebel Killed in Separate Gunfights Amid Rising Attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir

Indian soldiers have engaged in intense gun battles with rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulting in the death of a suspected rebel. The Indian army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the neutralization of the rebel in the Zabarwan forest near Srinagar. The violence comes after rebels killed two members of a government-backed militia, the Village Defense Group, earlier this week.

Ongoing Gunfights in Kashmir

Two separate gunfights are currently underway in the Kashmir region, with one in Kishtwar district in Jammu and the other in Baramulla, located north of Srinagar, the summer capital of the disputed region. These clashes are part of a recent surge in armed attacks by rebels, who have long called for either independence or union with Pakistan.

Rebel Group Claims Responsibility for Militia Killings

The Kashmir Tigers, a local rebel group, claimed responsibility for the killing of the two Village Defense Group members in Kishtwar. India has accused Pakistan of supporting these armed rebel groups, though Islamabad denies any involvement.

Increasing Tensions in Kashmir

The region has seen an escalation in violence since October, with rebel groups attacking army convoys and construction camps, resulting in several deaths. Recently, a grenade attack in Srinagar injured 12 people. In response, the Indian military conducted a raid near Sopore town, which led to another gunfight, killing two rebels.

Kashmir Assembly Demands Restoration of Autonomy

In a political move, Kashmir’s regional assembly passed a resolution urging India to restore the region’s partial autonomy, which was revoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2019. The decision stripped Kashmir of its special status, triggering widespread protests and a communication blackout. However, the Indian government remains firm, with Modi stating that no power in the world can restore Article 370, which granted Kashmir its special status.