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MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan, Thursday (Reuters) Militants based in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir vowed to resist moves to have their offices closed, testing Islamabad's resolve to mend ties with nuclear rival India.

Leaders of several groups supporting separatist rebels in the divided Himalayan region said the Pakistani government had given them until May 31 to close down their offices, which often double as residences for senior members.

The demand is seen as part of a gradual thawing in ties between Pakistan and neighbouring India after they came close to war last year over the region which both countries covet.

"There is a tremendous pressure from the Pakistani side to close offices," said the leader of one outfit, who declined to be identified either by name or by group.

"There is a complete unanimity in our ranks that we will not close down offices-cum-residences in base camp," another militant leader said, also on condition of anonymity.

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