Three simultaneous counter-terror operations in Shopian and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir, in southern parts of the volatile region, which were launched late Saturday and continue, have so far killed 13 suspected militants.
According to Indian police on Sunday, three members of security forces also lost their lives in the fighting and four civilians were killed in ensuing violent protests held by locals against the operations.
Reports said over 50 people who had marched toward encounter sites sustained injuries. The Indian military said of the wounded civilians, 25 people received pellet injuries and six received bullet wounds.
It is expected that the death toll rises as fierce gun battles between security forces and suspected militants continue.
There were also demonstrations in Srinagar, where authorities ordered all schools shut on Monday as separatist groups called for protest rallies.
Tensions are high in the Indian-controlled region, where the Muslim-majority population stages regular protests against the Indian rule and demands autonomy from New Delhi.
India regularly accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants and allowing them across the restive frontier in an attempt to launch attacks on Indian forces. Pakistan strongly denies the allegation
