SRINAGAR, India, May 13 -- Three suspected militants were killed in a gunfight with government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the Indian military said Tuesday.

It is the first reported gunbattle between Indian troops and militants in the region since last month's massacre that left 26 tourists dead, and which India has blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad has denied the charge.

India's military said in a statement soldiers acting on a tip carried out a "search and destroy" operation in the Keller area of the southern Shopian district early Tuesday, during which militants "opened heavy fire and a fierce firefight ensued," it said.

The army hasn't provided further details or casualties among soldiers, but stated that soldiers continued th...