At least 20 people were killed and 70 others injured in Indian-administered Kashmir after fierce clashes between militants and government forces on Sunday.
As well as the civilians, at least three Indian soldiers and 13 suspected militants are said to have died.
Officials said this is the restive region's worst loss of life during a single day in recent years, reports BBC.
Kashmir has been caught in a land row between India and Pakistan for decades and has endured brutal conflict.
Many civilians in Kashmir support separatist rebels who want independence or pledge allegiance to Pakistan.
The authorities are braced for ongoing violence.