India says that nearly 40,000 people have been killed in the separatist insurgency gripping Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The Home Affairs Ministry says some 13,000 civilians and 5,000 security forces personnel were killed in terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir during the period from 1990 to April 2011.

The ministry says more than 21,000 militants were also killed during the same period.

Muslim separatists have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from Hindu-majority India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in full by both.