Tremors were felt in parts of northern India on Thursday evening following an earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan, a senior official said.

"The quake jolted parts of northern India, including the states of Indian-controlled Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan around 7:40 p.m. (local time). In Kashmir, tremors were felt stronger due to its proximity to Afghanistan though Pakistan lies in between," he said, unwilling to be named.

There have been no reports of any casualty or damage to property, the official said, adding that the quake originated in Hindu Kush mountains, a seismic prone zone.

Local TV channels reported that many residents came rushing out of their homes and prayed for calm in the quake-hit areas.

The disaster management teams are on their toes in case of any necessity, the reports said.