SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

At least three Kashmiri militants were killed in a gunfight with Indian forces in southern Shopian district on Monday, an army spokesman said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Rajesh Kalia confirmed the death toll from the joint operation by the army, police and federal paramilitary soldiers, adding that they were affiliated with Hizbul Mujahideen, a Pakistan-backed group.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site of the gunfight, he said in a statement.

Among the deceased is Adil Bashir, a former police guard, who had escaped from the residence of a former lawmaker, Ajaz Mir, in September 2018 after stealing eight rifles and a pistol.

After deserting the police, Adil joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

This was the second major gunfight in southern Kashmir, which is the lone militant stronghold in Kashmir Valley. On January 12, three militants were killed in a gunfight with government forces.

India and Pakistan both hold Kashmir in parts and claim it in full. China also controls part of the contested region, but it is India and Pakistan that have fought two wars over Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.