India's army says five suspected militants and a soldier have been killed in fighting near the highly militarized de facto frontier that divides the disputed region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
Army spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia says a gunbattle erupted Sunday after a group of militants crossed from the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir into the Indian-held portion in northwestern Tangdhar sector. There was no independent confirmation of the incident.
Kalia said Monday the fighting was ongoing.
India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in its entirety.
In Indian-controlled Kashmir, rebel groups have been fighting for either independence or a merger with Pakistan since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, which Pakistan denies.
Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.
