Kashmir clashes: Eight dead as troops surround gunmen Published duration 12 February 2017

image copyright EPA image caption The gunmen were surrounded by the Indian military in the course of the fighting

At least eight people have died in Indian-administered Kashmir during and after a gun battle between the security forces and militants, officials say.

The violence began when security forces entered a village in the southern Kulgam district overnight on Saturday in pursuit of suspected militants.

The exchange of fire killed two security force members, four suspected militants and a civilian.

Another man died in protests that followed the clash.

The suspected militants had taken refuge in Frisal village when they were surrounded by police and the military, officials say. A 10-hour gunfight then broke out.

image copyright AP image caption Thousands attended the funeral on Sunday of two of the gunmen who were killed in the clashes

image copyright AP image caption Kashmiris watched the funeral processions from the rooftops

image copyright EPA image caption The house where the gunman were surrounded was destroyed in the course of the fighting

Weapons were recovered from the dead gunmen, the army said. It stated that three soldiers were injured in addition to the two soldiers who were killed.

Officials say the civilian who died was inside the house which came under fire from the security forces.

As news of the clash spread, hundreds of local protesters confronted the security forces. One man died and about 12 were injured when the security forces opened fire on the crowd.

Truce violations

There has been a surge in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in the past year.

Both countries accuse each other of violating a 2003 truce accord.

Five things to know about Kashmir

India and Pakistan have disputed the territory for nearly 70 years - since independence from Britain

Both countries claim the whole territory but control only parts of it

Since 1989 there has been an armed revolt in the Muslim-majority region against rule by India, which is mostly Hindu

Two out of three wars fought between India and Pakistan centred on Kashmir

A new war could be even more disastrous as both states now have nuclear arsenals