Three Islamic rebels shot dead in Indian Kashmir

Indian troops have shot dead three Islamic militants after they crossed into Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistan, a defence spokesman says.

Indian defence spokesman Colonel RK Chibber says the fire fight took place in the Sowjain region of Poonch district, 240 kilometres north-west of Jammu, Kashmir's winter capital.

"The infiltration bid has been successfully foiled with the killing of three militants," he said, adding that one soldier was also killed in the incident.

India accuses Pakistan of arming, training and sending Islamic militants into Indian Kashmir to bolster a Muslim insurgency.

The Pakistani Government denies the charge.

Indian records show that more than 44,000 people have died from violence in Kashmir since a rebellion against Indian rule erupted in 1989.

Separatists say the toll is more than double that figure.

- AFP