Gunshots echo in Indian-controlled Kashmir

Gunshots echoed in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir Wednesday morning, just a few hours before Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives.

Local police said separatist guerrillas had barged into a shopping complex and opened fire. At least one paramilitary soldier and a civilian were wounded in the firing from the Suleiman shopping complex, located barely 500 meters from a sports stadium where the prime minister will address a public rally laterin the day.

Meanwhile, to coincide with Singh's first visit as prime minister, the army will begin phasing out troops in Kashmir on Wednesday, where half a million Indian troops and police are deployed to quell the pro-independent insurgence which began in 1989.

Source: Xinhua