A powerful rebel group in India's restive north-eastern state of Assam said on Wednesday that it had lost 12 men killed in a fierce gun battle with government troops.
An Indian military spokesman said troops had encircled the heavily forested Dibru-Saikhowa area, about 600 km (370 miles) east of the state capital Dispur, acting on a tip off that 70-80 heavily armed militants were setting up a camp there.
"The operations are still going on," he said.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), which is fighting for an independent Assamese homeland, said troops used mortars and rockets to attack their base.
"We have lost 12 cadres and several others are wounded in the fighting," ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in a statement.
He accused the soldiers of holding villagers captive and cutting supplies to them, leading to a severe shortage of food and medicines.
Wednesday's fighting came after the ULFA offered last week to hold peace talks with New Delhi. The talks, the first between the two sides, are expected to take place next month.
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