Indian police claim that four rebels have been killed in Kashmir.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Police in Indian-controlled Kashmir said government forces killed four suspected militants in a gunbattle on Wednesday.

A top police officer, Mukesh Singh, said troops intercepted a truck in the outskirts of Jammu city early Wednesday following its “unusual movement” on a highway.

Singh said that gunfire was heard inside the truck as troops searched it.

Police say four suspected militants were killed. Authorities also recovered at most eight automatic rifles as well as some ammunition from the truck.

According to police, the truck driver fled the scene and an investigation was underway to find him.

It was not possible to confirm the gunbattle.

India and Pakistan are divided in Kashmir and claim its entire territory.

Rebels in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. The majority of Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal to unify the territory under Pakistani or independent rule.

India claims that the Kashmiri militancy is Pakistani-sponsored terrorist activity. Pakistan denies the accusation, and most Kashmiris view it as a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces were killed in the conflict.