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SRINAGAR, India, Thursday (Reuters) Seven Indian paramilitary troops, including two officers, were killed in a gunbattle with rebels in revolt-racked Kashmir region, a paramilitary spokesman said on Thursday.

Three soldiers were also wounded in the shootout which took place late on Wednesday near the Achibal area of Sopore town north of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state.

"According to early reports, a BSF (Border Security Force) party came under heavy fire when they raided a militant hideout at Achibal," the spokesman told Reuters, adding the troops were killed in the gunbattle that ensued.

Army and paramilitary soldiers have sealed off the area for search operations, he said.

Nearly a dozen militant groups have been fighting Indian rule in the Himalayan region since 1989. Officials say the revolt has claimed more than 30,000 lives. Separatists put the toll closer to 80,000.

India accuses Pakistan of arming and aiding Kashmiri separatists. Pakistan denies the charge. Both the countries have lined up behind the U.S.-led coalition against terrorism, but New Delhi has said it is running out of patience with Pakistan's support for the guerrillas in Kashmir.

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