It was the highest number of people killed in a single firefight between separatist militants and Indian troops in the Himalayan region this year.

“The operation is still continuing and we think more terrorists are hiding in the forest,” Umamaheswar, an Indian Army spokesman who goes by one name said. An army officer was among the 12 killed, he said.

“We have sent more troops in the area, we believe this group of terrorists has recently infiltrated,” Umamaheswar added.

India accuses Pakistan of arming, training and sending militants to its part of Kashmir, a charge Islamabad denies.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed since a revolt against Indian rule broke out in 1989.

Officials say violence involving Indian troops and separatist militants has declined in Kashmir since the two south Asian neighbors, who have fought wars over the region, began a slow-moving peace process in 2004. Both claim the region in full but rule in parts.

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