NEW DELHI 18 Feb (ANA) - Four soldiers have been killed in Indian-administered Kashmir in a gun battle with militants, police say.

 

The clash occurred in Pulwama district, where more than 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in a suicide attack on Thursday.

 

A civilian was also killed in the shootout as Indian troops launched a search operation in the area.

 

Meanwhile Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Delhi for consultations amid escalating tensions.

 

India recalled its top diplomat from Pakistan in the wake of Thursday's attack - in which it said the Pakistani state was complicit.

 

Pakistan denies any role in the bombing, which was claimed by a group based on its soil - Jaish-e-Mohammad.

 

Police say two militants who were trapped in the village in Pulwama have been killed in Monday's operation.

 

Heavy gunfire has been heard, and Indian security officials are appealing to villagers to stay indoors.

 

Police told BBC Urdu that when they fired "warning shots" at the house in Pinglena village where the militants were hiding, they fired back. One officer who was critically injured has been taken to hospital.

 

The owner of the house was killed during the exchange of fire, police added.(ANA)

FA/ANA/18 February 2019------