Four dead as attackers storm Indian army camp in Kashmir

The Indian army killed three suspected rebels and another person was shot dead during a six-hour gun battle Wednesday on a military camp in Indian Kashmir near the border with Pakistan, a military spokesman said.

Loud explosions were heard as the attackers entered the army camp throwing grenades and firing automatic weapons in Tangdhar, 140 kilometres northwest of the main city of Srinagar.

"Three to four suicide attackers entered an army unit headquarters," superintendent of police, Aijaz Ahmed told AFP. 

"In the ongoing exchange of fire one army man has been injured."

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947.

Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety and have fought three wars over its control.

Several rebel groups have for decades been fighting Indian forces deployed in the region, seeking independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.

The fighting has left tens of thousands dead, mostly civilians.

India often accuses Pakistan of arming, training and sending rebels across the border into Indian-administered Kashmir.

Islamabad denies the charge, saying it provides only political support for their struggle.

Photo Caption: Indian army soldiers prepare to fire mortar shells towards hiding suspected militants in the Maniga area of Kupwara district north of Srinagar on November 23, 2015