Srinagar, Kashmir - Two militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba group and their female associate were killed in a shootout with security forces in India-administered Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

The combat took place near a village in the Doda district about 180 kilometres north-east of the state's winter capital Jammu, after a joint army-police team started search operations.

"The two militants were active in the area and were behind many killings and abductions. They were eliminated in the gunbattle which lasted for an hour," senior police official Parbhat Singh said.

A woman who was with the militants and was believed to be linked with the LeT was also killed.

According to Indian intelligence agencies, rebels are planning to increase the levels of violence in the region as the nationwide elections get underway.

The disputed Kashmir region is divided into two parts, one administered by India the other by Pakistan. The neighbours have fought two wars over the disputed region.

More than 45,000 people have died in violence since violent secessionist militant movement emerged in the 1980s.

India has repeatedly accused Pakistan of aiding Kashmiri militants. Islamabad denies the charge, calling the insurgents freedom fighters. (dpa)