3 rebels, 1 Indian soldier killed in clash in Kashmir Indian police say they have killed three insurgents in an exchange of gunfire in Indian-controlled Kashmir and rescued a civilian in whose house they took refuge

NEW DELHI -- Indian security forces on Saturday killed three insurgents in an exchange of gunfire in Indian-controlled Kashmir and rescued a civilian in whose house they took refuge.

Police said in a Tweet that five rebels entered the house in Batote town in Jammu region after they were chased by security forces.

Security forces cordoned the area and the exchange of gunfire followed. Police didn't say whether two of the rebels managed to flee the area during the clash.

An Indian soldier also was killed in the operation, Press Trust of India news agency cited Lt. Col. Devender Anand, an army spokesman, as saying.

India imposed heavy restrictions in the area it controls in Kashmir after it stripped it of its statehood and semi-autonomy on Aug. 5.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim the region in its entirety. The nuclear rivals have fought two wars over control of Kashmir since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training insurgents who have been fighting for independence from India or a merger with Pakistan since 1989. Islamabad denies the accusation.