People inspect a house damaged in a gunfight at Hajin village of Bandipora district, about 40 km north of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, March 22, 2019. Six militants and a 12-year-old boy were killed in three separate fierce gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Friday. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

Six militants and a 12-year-old boy were killed in three separate fierce gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said Friday.

While two militants were killed in village Ratnipora in Shopian district, two others and a 12-year-old boy were killed in Hajin of Bandipora district.

According to police, the 12-year-old boy was held hostage by the holed up militants in Hajin.

"Two people were held hostage by the militants inside the house. One man managed to escape, while the 12-year-old boy was not allowed to come out despite repeated requests from our side," a police officer said. "The militants kept targeting our positions, thereby evoking retaliation. During the intense firefight the militants were eliminated."

"In Shopian two militants were killed and their identity is being ascertained," a police officer posted in the district said.

Eyewitnesses said while the gunfight was underway locals clashed with government forces in a bid to help militants escape. Police fired dozens of tear smoke shells and warning shots to chase protesters.

Health officials said 10 civilians were wounded during clashes and brought to hospital.

Locals said three residential houses were damaged in the exchange of fire.

On Thursday night, two militants were killed in village Kalantara Kandi of Baramulla district. While fighting these militants, three troops were wounded in the stand-off.

According to police and army officials, the villages were cordoned off following specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

Meanwhile, on Thursday in Warpora village of Sopore, two policemen including an officer were wounded after militants hurled a grenade towards them during cordon and search operation in the area.

Police officers said earlier on Friday that an exchange of fire between militants and government forces has begun.

"The firing is going on and details are awaited," a police official posted in Sopore said.