SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed a top militant commander linked to al-Qaida in the disputed region, officials said today.

Zakir Musa was killed Thursday evening in a gunfight after police and soldiers launched a counterinsurgency operation in the southern Tral area, said Col. Rajesh Kalia, an Indian army spokesman.

Musa refused to surrender and fired grenades at the troops after they zeroed in on his hideout in a civilian home, police said.

His killing triggered violent anti-India protests in many places.

No one was immediately reported injured.