Militants storm major police base in Jammu-Kashmir

Two Indian paramilitary personnel, a policeman and a militant were killed in southern Jammu-Kashmir Saturday when a major police base came under attack, an Indian army officer told local media.

The incident took place in Pulwama district, located some 26 kilometers (16 miles) to the south of capital Srinagar, where militants stormed the District Police Lines.

"Two terrorists entered the District Police Lines in Pulwama. We lost a Jammu-Kashmir police constable and two CRPF [Central Reserve Police Force] personnel," Indian army’s Lt. Gen. J. S. Sandhu told the media, according to news agency ANI.

Inspector General of Police Munir Khan told reporters that they were trying to evacuate personnel from the police base.

"Both CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir [personnel] are stationed in police lines," Khan said.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hasan Shah, spokesman of the group, claimed Indian armed forces had suffered “massive damage” while militants present there were giving a tough time to Indian troops, according to news agency CNS

A police official told Anadolu Agency confirmed the death of a militant and said two more militants were believed to be holed up in the compound.

"There are at least six of our men who are wounded and I think the number of casualties is likely to go up," the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

"As of now, the gunbattle is on and heavy reinforcements have been sent to neutralize the militants."

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority Himalayan region, is held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

The two countries have fought three wars -- in 1948, 1965 and 1971 -- since they were partitioned in 1947, two of which were fought over Kashmir.

Kashmiri resistance groups in Jammu-Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.

More than 70,000 people have reportedly been killed in the conflict since 1989. India maintains more than half a million troops in the disputed region.