(Image source from: France 24)

At least seven rebels and an Indian army soldier were killed in gunbattles in disputed Kashmir, triggering violent protests by residents opposed to Indian rule, officials said on Saturday.

Army soldiers and counterinsurgency police cordoned off a neighborhood in the suburbs of southern Shopian town overnight, leading to an exchange of fire with rebels, police said.

One militant was killed overnight while four more died early Saturday.

By Sowmya Sangam