Deadly Gunbattle Erupts in Indian Kashmir

At least five people have been killed during a fierce gunbattle in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Security officials say two police officers, a soldier and two militants were fatally shot in Tuesday's firefight in the Kupwara district of Kashmir.

The Indian military and police launched a joint operation about 130 kilometers northwest of the main town of Srinagar after receiving intelligence on possible militant activity in the area.

Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in its entirety, with each administering a part of it. The neighboring countries have fought two of three wars over the Himalayan region.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebels who have been fighting in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989 -- a charge Islamabad denies.