Agencies

Srinagar, October 20:

A militant was killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, taking the death toll of ultras killed in the operation to two, the Army said on Tuesday.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Melhura in Zainapora area of Shopian on Monday evening following information about presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire at security forces’ positions.

One militant was killed in the initial exchange of fire between the two sides last evening, while another ultra was shot dead on Tuesday morning, an Army official said.

He said as AK rifle and a pistol were among the weapons and ammunition recovered from the scene of the encounter.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained.