8 Indian army troopers killed,11 wounded in militant attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir

At least eight Indian army troopers were killed and 11 others including a paramilitary trooper of India's Central reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a policeman were wounded Monday when militants carried out attacks at two localities in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. The militants first ambushed an army convoy near Hyderpora and later sprayed gunfires at Barzulla locality of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. "Militants this evening attacked an army convoy in Srinagar city, during which eight troopers were killed and 11 others were wounded," said an army official. "The convoy was heading towards Baramulla town." The wounded troopers were immediately sent to military hospital in Srinagar. The casualties are likely to rise as some troopers are critically wounded. Militants have managed to escape from the spot unhurt, officials said. Police spokesman said two militants first ambushed army vehicles at Hyderpora-Bypass locality by firing at and lobbing grenade inside an army vehicle. Militants carried out second attack and wounded a paramilitary trooper of Indian's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a policeman at Barazulla locality,the spokesman said. Policemen have seized the motorcycle used by the militants during the attack. Reinforcements of army and police were rushed to the spots to carry out search operation. The government forces have intensified searches in the city to trace the militants. This is the second major attack in last three days in run up to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to restive region. On Saturday militants shot dead two policemen from a point-blank range in Ameera Kadal of Srinagar. Police officials said they have beefed up security across region especially in Srinagar in view of the Indian Prime Minister 's visit. Singh along with Indian Congress party President and ruling coalition (United Progressive Alliance - UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to visit the region on Tuesday. The top leaders are scheduled to flag off an extension of railway service from Qazigund to Banihal town. Indigenous militant outfit of Indian-controlled Kashmir Hizbul Mujahideen claimed responsibility of the deadly attack on Indian army. Its spokesman called a Srinagar- based news agency and claimed the responsibility. A guerrilla war is going on between militants and stationed Indian troopers since 1989.