Photoblog: Kashmir's spring of violence

Since the beginning of April, Indian-administered Kashmir has seen a fresh uptick in violence as Indian military authorities crack down on armed groups seeking independence for the territory, and as locals come to the defence of militants.

The conflict over Kashmir, between India and Pakistan, has been ongoing at various levels of intensity for around 70 years - but the most recent violence has seen hundreds killed and many more wounded - notably by pellet shot to the face - as civilians march to the site of gun battles to allow militants to chance to escape.

Schools and colleges have been sporadically shut down, as has internet access - in attempts to hinder the organisation of protests against the violence.

It is the world's most militarised region, and, as ever, it is the region's civilians who are paying the price of the power politics of men far away.