SRINAGAR, India: Indian security forces have shot and killed six suspected insurgents in a fierce exchange of gunfire in the Indian portion of Kashmir. A police statement says the firing took place early Friday when security forces attacked a rebel hideout in the foothills of the Waghama Sutkipora area of south Kashmir. The news of the rebel deaths triggered protests by civilians opposed to Indian rule. Police say security forces recovered the six bodies and rifles carried by the rebels. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies. Rebel groups have been fighting Indian rule since 1989 demanding Kashmir’s independence or merger with Pakistan. About 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.