SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three militants and a policeman were killed Wednesday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight erupted at Fateh Kadal locality of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In a gunfight that broke out today here three militants were killed," a senior police official said. "While fighting these militants a policeman also lost life."

The identity of the slain militants was being ascertained.

Police said the locality in the old city was cordoned off early Wednesday following specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

The house from where militants were firing on police and army positions has been damaged.

Reports said a fire broke out inside the house during the exchange of fire.

Authorities have suspended internet service in the city and closed roads leading to the gunfight site.

Meanwhile, schools, colleges and universities have been closed in the city as a precautionary measure.

Last week a militant was killed and another injured in a gunfight in southern Pulwama district.

A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989. However, of late Indian policemen too have been trained to fight them.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Enditem

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