Indian military officials say three soldiers and two suspected rebels have been killed in a gunbattle in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The army says Wednesday's fighting took place in the Nowgam sector, as five militants crossed into Indian-Kashmir from the Pakistani side of the disputed Himalayan region.

An army spokesman said a search operation was underway for other rebels who crossed the de facto border or Line of Control.

There is no independent confirmation of the incident.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in full by both countries. The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two wars over the region.

Muslim separatists have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from Hindu-majority India or a merger with Muslim-majority Pakistan. Thousands have been killed in the insurgency.