Indian soldiers killed six suspected rebels Saturday along the highly militarised de-facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, the army said.

Indian army spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia said a gunbattle erupted after a group of heavily armed rebels crossed from the Pakistani part of Kashmir into India-held Kashmir in western Rampur sector.

On Friday, the army said soldiers killed two suspected rebels in the same area after they crossed into Indian-held Kashmir from the Pakistani side.

There was no independent confirmation of the latest incident.

Also read | Kashmir: hard choices only

Separately, a gunfight erupted early Saturday between rebels and government forces in southern Tral area, police said.

The fighting began after troops cordoned off the area overnight following a tip that at least three rebels were hiding there.

As the fighting raged, hundreds of residents chanting anti-India slogans marched in an attempt to help the trapped rebel escape.

Clashes between rock-throwing protesters and government forces erupted in different localities in the area, with police and paramilitary soldiers firing shotgun pellets and tear gas to stop the protests. Many civilians were reported injured in the clashes.

Examine: Kashmir forsaken

The nuclear-armed nations claim the territory in its entirety and have fought two wars over their rival claims to the territory.

Rebel groups have been fighting since 1989 for Kashmir's independence or merger with neighbouring Pakistan. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the fighting and the ensuing Indian crackdown. India has accused Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, which Pakistan denies.

Rebel groups have largely been suppressed by Indian forces in recent years. However, public opposition to Indian rule remains deep and is now principally expressed through street protests marked by youths hurling stones at government forces.