SRINAGAR: Two pro-freedom militants and four Indian soldiers were killed on Tuesday in a gunbattle along the Line of Control (Place) in Occupied Kashmir valley.

According to Indian army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia, the shootout erupted after a group of pro-freedom militants allegedly crossed from Azad Jammu and Kashmir into the India-held portion in Gurez sector.

He said the army’s patrolling party intercepted the alleged infiltrating group early Tuesday.

Military authorities rushed in a reinforcement of soldiers to the mountainous and forested area where they were still conducting searches for other possible militants.

One among the army’s fatalities was an officer

There was no independent confirmation of the incident.

Most Kashmiris support the militants’ cause that the territory is united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control.

Pro-freedom militants have been fighting Indian control since 1989. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the Kashmiris, a charge Pakistan denies.

Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.