Srinagar, Kashmir  - At least six suspected Muslim militants were killed by security forces in a gun battle in Indian-administered Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

The militants were killed in a joint operation by the police, army and paramilitary forces in the Lurgam-Tral village in Pulwama district, some 40 kilometres south of state capital Srinagar.

"The militants had fired at a patrol party of the Central Reserve Police Force after which a gun battle broke out. Six militants were shot dead in the encounter," the district's police superintendent SM Khan told reporters.

The security forces suffered no casualties, Khan said, adding that search operations would continue to track three other militants believed to be hiding in the forested area.

The security forces also recovered some arms and ammunition, including rifles, grenades, radio sets and mobile phones, from the scene.

Meanwhile, the local media reported that the militants belonged to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group which is active in the troubled state.

Officials told the IANS news agency that two slain rebels were top militants from the JeM and the other four were Pakistani nationals.

Kashmir has been at the root of tense relations between the South Asian neighbours since their independence from British rule in 1947.

An estimated 40,000 people, including civilians, militants and security personnel, have been killed in political violence in Indian- administered Kashmir since 1990.

India accuses Pakistan of aiding and abetting Kashmiri secessionist militants.

Pakistan denies the allegations, saying the Kashmiri militants are local freedom fighters. (dpa)