Several rebel groups have been fighting hundreds of thousands of Indian forces in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

Suspected rebels shot dead two paramilitary policemen who were on patrol in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday, police said.

“The terrorists attacked a road observation party and martyred two CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) jawans,” deputy inspector general of police, Nitish Kumar, told AFP.

The attack was carried out in Hatmulla village, 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the main city of Srinagar and not far from the area where suspected rebels injured 15 civilians by hurling a grenade near a police station on Saturday.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since they gained independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety.

Several rebel groups have been fighting hundreds of thousands of Indian forces in the region, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

Tens of thousands, mostly civilians, have died in the fighting since 1989 when an armed revolt against Indian rule erupted in the Indian-administered part of the territory.

Violence has steadily declined during the last decade but armed encounters between rebels and government forces occur regularly.

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