Three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, an army official said on Thursday.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral on Wednesday night, following information about the presence of terrorists there, the official said.
The official said in the ensuing gun fight three local terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed.
The slain terrorists have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray and Asif Ahmed Mir, the official said, adding that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to terrorists involved in Udhampur attack on a BSF convoy last year.
Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle, where search and sanitisation operation are in progress, the official said.
"Search and sanitization operation is still on in the area," the official added.
Protests erupted in the Dadsara village as the security forces surrounded it for searches. Police had to resort to tear gas shelling and baton charge after the mob indulged in heavy stone-pelting.
