At least seven people including two security officers were killed in two separate gun-battles in the strife-torn Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said today.
A defence spokesman said five militants were killed in a clash between guerrillas and security forces in Kupwara district, 101 km (64 miles) north of Srinagar, the state's summer capital.
He said the encounter was still going on.
In another incident in Kupwara, an army major and a sergeant belonging to the Rashtriya Rifles were killed in a clash yesterday, police said.
Violence in the disputed Himalayan region has increased since India called off a ceasefire in Kashmir more than a month ago.
India has frequently accused Pakistan of backing Muslim guerrillas fighting New Delhi's rule in the state.
Islamabad has denied the accusation, saying it only provides moral and diplomatic support to the separatists.
The leaders of both countries are due to meet in Agra, India, later this month for a summit at which Kashmir is expected to be the dominant theme. Representatives from militant groups have not been invited.