Fears are growing in India of an escalation in rebel incursions into Kashmir from Pakistan before winter snow blocks the Himalayan mountain passes.

“In the biggest success so far this year, the army today killed 12 terrorists in Gurez Sector, thereby foiling a major infiltration attempt,” army spokesman Lt. Col. J. S. Brar said, describing it as the most fierce gunbattle this year.

An Indian Army officer was also killed, he added.

Gurez Sector lies on the Line of Control (LoC), a military control line that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.  The Indian Army last week said it has stepped up its vigil along the LoC to thwart infiltration from the Pakistan-held Kashmir.

Pakistan denies providing military aid to the rebellion and says it only extends moral and diplomatic support to what it calls an independence struggle by Kashmiris. The conflict has officially killed nearly 50,0000 people.