By Kaveesha Fernando
SRINAGAR, India (CWBN)_ Indian media reports that three unidentified terrorists were killed during a deadly confrontation between them and security forces on Wednesday (December 9) in the Pulwama district in Western Jammu and Kashmir. A civilian is also reported to have sustained injuries.
According to authorities, a search operation was conducted in the area on Wednesday morning as a result of intelligence which indicated that terrorists were hiding in the area. The search resulted in a confrontation during which Indian authorities state that the terrorists opened fire. The identities and affiliations of the terrorists in unclear and is currently being ascertained.
The region has seen a fair amount of conflict in the past few months – deadly confrontations leading to casualties have occurred fairly regularly as hostilities between Pakistan and India rise. The issue is compounded by China’s claims to the adjacent region of Ladakh, resulting in a three-way standoff.
Administration of the area has been a sore point in Indian internal affairs, as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party decided to revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution (which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status and limited autonomy). Elections are underway in the region for the first time, and will be held in eight phases.
Experts say the conflict regarding the Kashmir region predates India’s independence, which was achieved in 1947. Several Indo-Pakistan wars were fought over the disputed territory. A ‘Line of Control’ was agreed upon by India and Pakistan in 1972, demarking the Indian and Pakistan controlled sections of Kashmir. India controls Jammu and Kashmir while Pakistan controls Azhad Kashmir. Both countries also have several other areas under their control in the Kashmir region on their respective side of the line.
