Gunmen storm government building in Indian Kashmir

Gunmen on Saturday stormed a government-run training institute on the outskirts of Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir with over a hundred people inside, wounding six, police said, adding that firing was ongoing.

"Two to three militants entered the building injuring six CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel in the initial assault," Javaid Gillani, inspector general of police for the region, told AFP.

The militants were suspected to be anti-India rebels, Gillani added, adding that no one was being held inside the building against their will.

Witnesses said three militants entered the complex which houses the government-run Entrepreneurship Development Institute, asking everyone inside to "save themselves" and move to a nearby hostel.

"They (gunmen) barged into the reception area as CRPF soldiers were firing towards them. They asked everyone to save themselves and go to the next building," a witness who worked at the institute said, asking to remain anonymous.

Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since the two countries became independent in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.

Since 1989 several rebel groups have been fighting Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding either independence or a merger of the region with Pakistan.

The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.
Source :AFP