Srinagar - At least 17 people were killed in separate shootings in Kashmir over the weekend, it has been reported. A defence spokesman said five militants were killed in a clash between guerrillas and security forces, 101 km north of Srinagar. In a separate incident, in Kupwara, an army major and a sergeant were killed in a clash on Sunday. The police have also reported that four separatist rebels were shot dead yesterday by Indian security forces. Violence in the region has increased since India called off a cease-fire in Kashmir a month ago. Authorities say more than 30,000 people have been killed in the state since the start of rebellion nearly 11 years ago. The leaders of both countries are due to meet in India later this month for a summit at which Kashmir is expected to be the dominant theme.