Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir say they killed four militants during a 16-hour gunbattle in the disputed Kashmir region that ended late on May 31.

Indian police said the militants crossed the heavily militarized Line of Control that divides Kashmir between Pakistani and Indian control and tried to attack a military base near the town of Tangdhar.

Authorities said the militants took shelter in two houses after they were spotted approaching the base.

They say about 40 soldiers from an elite commando until were airlifted into the area to battle the gunmen while Indian Army soldiers fired mortars and machines at the buildings.

Indian security forces on June 1 were searching for two other militants who may have escaped.

Muslim separatists have been fighting Indian forces in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir since 1989.

India accuses Pakistan of training and arming militants in the portion of Kashmir that it controls and sending them across to the Indian side.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP