Jawan, 3 terrorists killed in Kashmir encounter

A soldier and three unidentified terrorists were killed in a prolonged encounter in Danna forests of north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Saturday.

A defence spokesman said that a counter terrorist operation was launched in Danna forest area of the district three days ago on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. He said as the joint party of forces reached the suspected spot the  hiding terrorists opened gunfire that triggered a gunfight.

In the ensuing gunfight, three terrorists were killed.

During the enounter a soldier sustained grievous injueies. He was evacuated to hopsital where he succumbed to injuries. He said weapons and other war like stores were recovered from the encounter site.

The identity of the slain militants is being ascertained. Earlier, two soldiers were injured in the area on Friday during first contact with terrorists. The wounded soldiers were immediately evacuated for medical treatment. Meanwhile, security forces cordoned off native village of Hizbul Mujahideen 'Operational Commander' Riyaz Naikoo in Awantipora police district but no arrests were made.

Police released Naikoo's father Assasullah on Friday morning after militants went on an abduction spree of close relatives of policemen and officers. Naikoo in an audio message warned police to release all detained or arrested relatives of terrorists and stop touching their homes and hearths. He issued three day ultimatum to the police to release kin of terrorists and threated to kill relatives of policemen if the warning was not paid heed to. Terrorists released all 11 abducted persons on Friday evening.