Srinagar, Kashmir  - At least five suspected Muslim militants were killed Wednesday as Indian security forces foiled an infiltration attempt in India-administered Kashmir, Indian officials said.

According to a defence spokesman, combat erupted early Wednesday after soldiers spotted a group of militants in the thickly forested Gurez sector, 123 kilometres north of the state capital Srinagar.

"The militants were trying to cross the Line of Control when they were challenged by the soldiers," an Indian Army spokesman said late Wednesday morning. " In the heavy exchange of fire, five militants were killed. The operation is under way in the remote area, and the firing is continuing."

The Line of Control is a de facto border that divides the disputed Kashmir region in two parts, one controlled by India and the other by Pakistan.

There have been several infiltration attempts in recent months.

Expressing concern over the incursions, India's Defence Ministry said there was increased activity to push a maximum number of guerrillas into India-administrated Kashmir before the onset of winter.

Kashmir is located in the Himalayas, and the Line of Control runs through rough mountain terrain that is snowbound for large parts of the year.

Nuclear-capable neighbours India and Pakistan have fought two wars over the disputed region.

India-administered Kashmir has seen a violent separatist militant movement that peaked in the late 1980s. India accuses Pakistan of aiding the militants and allowing them to run training camps across the Line of Control.

Pakistan denies the charge and calls Kashmiri militants freedom fighters. (dpa)