Asia

Attacks by suspected rebels wound 7 troops in Indian Kashmir

Associated Press
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Jammu and Kashmir state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, holds India's national flag after it fell during the unfurling ceremony on India's Independence Day in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. Authorities ordered a probe to ascertain if it was a sabotage or negligence after India's national flag fell on the top elected official as she pulled the rope to unfurl the flag at the highly guarded soccer stadium. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) (The Associated Press)

Jammu and Kashmir state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in green dress, watches as she holds the rope attached to India's national flag after it fell during the unfurling ceremony on India's Independence Day in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. Authorities ordered a probe to ascertain if it was a sabotage or negligence after India's national flag fell on the top elected official as she pulled the rope to unfurl the flag at the highly guarded soccer stadium. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) (The Associated Press)

An Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard during curfew on India's Independence Day in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. The Himalayan region has been under curfew for almost six weeks as the largest street protests in years erupted after Indian troops killed a top rebel leader, and security was tightened further in the week preceding India’s independence day. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin) (The Associated Press)

Officials say that at least seven paramilitary troops have been wounded, three critically, after suspected rebels sprayed them with gunfire in the main city of troubled Indian Kashmir.

K.K. Sharma, a top official of the Central Reserve Paramilitary Force says the attacks came Monday as India celebrated the anniversary of its independence from Britain.

The first attack took place in Srinagar's Nowhatta neighborhood when suspected rebels attacked troops on patrol to enforce a curfew. Sharma said a gunbattle with rebels was ongoing.

The second attack took place in the Khanyar neighborhood.

The Himalayan region has been under curfew for almost six weeks since angry street protests broke out after Indian troops killed an iconic rebel leader in a gunbattle July 8.