According to the police, the clash flared up after a group of Taliban attacked security checkpoints in Shahjoy district and the soldiers returned fire.

Farm leaders said hundreds of thousands of farmers from neighbouring states including Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh would drive tractors through New Delhi on January 26, the Republic Day national holiday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a parade of military forces.

An international human rights activities from Netherlands, Ms Melina said what Narendra Modi did in Pulwama was not the first time as he also did the same in Indian Gujarat in 2002.

The workers were transporting gelatin sticks used commonly as explosive material in stone mining quarries.

The unions said the three new farm laws must be fully repealed.

In Afghanistan, unknown armed men shot dead three army personnel when they opened fire at a military vehicle in Herat city today.

According to Indian media, Rahul Gandhi said the controversial farm laws are the first step in this direction.