Kashmir: Two militants killed in Kupwara

Two militants were on Saturday killed in an encounter with army troops in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

"Two militants have been killed in an operation at Mooldari in Handwara area of Kupwara district," Defence spokesman Lieutenant Colonel J S Brar told PTI, adding that two AK rifles were recovered from the scene of the gun-battle.

Brar said two major hideouts were also busted in the area. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants could not be ascertained immediately as the search operations were still in progress, he said.

Meanwhile, security sources said an infiltration bid was foiled near the Line of Control in Trehgam sector of Kupwara district on Friday night. As the heavily-armed militants were challenged by army troops, the ultras opened indiscriminate firing, they said.

Security forces returned the fire, triggering off a fierce gun-battle, they said, adding the militants fled from the spot and crossed back to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The militants left behind a huge quantity of weapons, ammunition and communication equipment, they added.