The encounter broke out when security forces confronted a group of militants at Bhawan forests in Zachaldara area of Handwara, 95 kms from Srinagar, late on Sunday night, the spokesman said. Two militants were killed in the encounter which continued till the wee hours of Monday, he said.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants could not be ascertained as the search operation in the area was going on when reports last came in, he said. Meanwhile, the search operation at Ahad Sahib locality of Sopore town, 55 kms from Srinagar, concluded on Monday morning.

An unidentified militant was killed and a civilian was injured during the operation late on Sunday night. "Efforts are on to identity the slain militant," the spokesman said.

Mohammad Afzal War, a resident of Noorbagh locality of Sopore, suffered injuries in his right arm and was undergoing treatment at the Bones and Joints Hospital, he said.