NEW DELHI, India — Violence in Indian-controlled Kashmir flared anew Wednesday as gunmen attacked an Indian army post near the city of Jammu and then barricaded themselves in a private home, waging a day-long battle and holding a family hostage.
According to the Indian army, at least seven people were killed, including two suspected militants. Four children were believed to be among those being held.
Indian security officials said the attackers were militants who had entered from Pakistan and carried out a deadly rampage. Security forces were negotiating with the gunmen on the release of the hostages.
The hostage-taking occurred on the heels of violent protests by Hindu and Muslim groups in Jammu and Kashmir state, the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, touched off by a dispute over land around a Hindu shrine.
