The Indian army says a clash along the de facto border that splits Kashmir between India and Pakistan has killed at least five suspected militants and at least one Indian army officer.

An army spokesman says the fighting erupted Saturday when the militants crossed from the Pakistan-controlled portion of the disputed territory into the Indian-run sector of Gurez.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed in full by both. 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.