Security stepped up on I-Day eve in Kashmir

Seven soldiers and four militants were killed in various incidents on Wednesday and authorities stepped up security in Kashmir on the eve of Independence Day.

Police sources said a soldier ran amok at Yusmarg near Charesharief in central Budgam district on Wednesday morning. The soldier, Gambir Singh, of the 36 Rashtriya Rifles fired indiscriminately at his colleagues, killing three of them on the spot and injuring another. Singh was later overpowered and is now being questioned, sources said.

Three soldiers, including an officer were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine at Zachaldara village in northern Kupwara district on Tuesday night. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. In another incident, three top militants and one soldier were killed in a gun battle at Duhama village in Kupwara district.

Meanwhile security has been tightened throughout the Kashmir valley on the eve of Independence Day, on which day various militant groups have called for a general strike in the state. Security forces are combing various localities to flush out militants.

Troops were also seen conducting search operations in the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where state Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah is to unfurl the tricolour. Some youths of the area have also been detained.

Security has been stepped in the city and in other towns and every vehicle is being searched thoroughly.