A moderate 5.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Himalayan region of Kashmir on Friday, sending frightened residents running from their homes, but there were no immediate reports of deaths, officials said.

Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir arrested the founder and commander of the region’s largest rebel group, an official said Wednesday, calling it a major setback for the separatists.

A gunbattle between government forces and suspected Islamic insurgents raged for a fourth day Sunday in a densely forested region of Indian Kashmir, police said. At least seven combatants have been killed.

Militant activity in the disputed region of Kashmir has fallen to its lowest levels since an anti-India rebellion began nearly two decades ago, police said Friday.

Hundreds of protesters chanting pro-independence slogans clashed with soldiers in the main city of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday, the last day of voting in state elections.

Hundreds of protesters chanting pro-independence slogans clashed with soldiers in the main city of Indian-controlled Kashmir on Wednesday, the last day of voting in state elections.

Thousands of security forces patrolled towns in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday to protect voters in state elections. Muslim separatists urged residents to boycott the vote and called for a general strike.

Voters cast their ballots in the fifth phase of state elections in Indian Kashmir on Saturday as scattered clashes between protesters and government forces left one person dead.

Voters cast their ballots in the fifth phase of state elections in Indian Kashmir on Saturday as thousands of government forces patrolled the streets and guarded polling stations amid scattered clashes with protesters.

Large crowds voted in several towns in Indian Kashmir on Sunday, while separatists in other areas boycotted the polls and clashed with government forces in the fourth phase of state elections in the disputed Himalayan region.