Indian Army claimed to have killed two suspected separatists on Thursday during a pre-dawn skirmish in India-held Kashmir, days after killing a top militant commander in the disputed territory.

Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said soldiers and special forces surrounded a home in northern Nathipora village, where they engaged in gunfire with militants hiding inside.

Kalia also claimed to have recovered two weapons of the suspected militants.

The shootout comes amid renewed tensions and fresh protests against Indian rule in the territory following the death of top rebel commander Sabzar Bhat last Saturday in a suspected gun battle with soldiers.

Authorities imposed a three-day curfew in large parts of the Kashmir valley following Bhat's death, and closed schools and colleges in many districts.

Rebel groups have fought for decades roughly 500,000 Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands, mostly civilians, dead.

Younger Kashmiris have been increasingly joining rebel ranks since the shooting death of a popular militant commander Burhan Wani in July last year. More than 30 militants have reportedly been killed by Indian soldiers since then, prompting more frequent clashes between rebels and government forces.