SRINAGAR, May 31 (2003): Twenty people, mostly civilians, were killed in Indian-ruled Kashmir over the past 24 hours in an upsurge of violence, police said on Saturday.

Two militants, a civilian and an army official were killed and three other were wounded in a gun battle in Nundwandpora village of Budgam, Kashmir’s central district, a police spokesman said.

He said many residential houses were damaged in an exchange of fire between militants and soldiers.

“Twelve civilians, including two political activists, and four militants were killed in other incidents in the state since Friday evening,” he said.

He said 13 people including two soldiers were wounded when militants attacked a patrol in Kulgam, south of Srinagar.

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