Srinagar, Kashmir - At least two militants and a policeman were killed and 12 security personnel including an army officer were injured in a clash in India-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.

The 20-hour gunbattle took place in Warpora village near Sopore town, 65 kilometres north of state capital Srinagar.

"Two militants from the Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit were killed. A policeman from the Special Operations group also died in the shoot- out," said Imtiaz Hussein, an additional superintendent of police in Sopore.

"The gunbattle started on Tuesday evening after security forces cordoned the house where the militants were hiding. The operations were called off after the militants were killed," he added.

Twelve security personnel including an army colonel were admitted to military hospitals following the clash.

The Indian government has repeatedly accused neighbouring Pakistan of aiding and abetting rebel activities in the territory it controls.

Pakistan denies the allegation and calls Kashmiri militants freedom fighters.

The Himalayan region has been at the heart of hostilities between the South Asian neighbours since their independence from British rule in 1947. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir.

More than 40,000 civilians, militants and security force members have been killed in Indian-administered Kashmir in the secessionist violence since 1990. (dpa)