Indian security forces say they have killed five militants and one civilian in gunbattles in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

Army spokesman Rajesh Kalia says security forces have found the bodies of two insurgents and a 12-year-old boy after an exchange of gunfire that started in northern Bandipora district Thursday.

Two insurgents were killed in western Baramulla district and another in southern Shopian area separately during cordon and search operations by security forces, Kalia and police said Friday.

A grenade attack by insurgents wounded three police officers in Sopore area Thursday, police said.

Insurgents have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or its merger with neighboring Pakistan since 1989. India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the region in its entirety.