Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir gunned down two terrorists in Handwara of Kupwara district on Sunday, ending an encounter that lasted for over 60 hours. While three CRPF personnel and two policemen were killed the gun battle, a civilian died in clashes between locals and the forces.

"This operation posed considerable difficulties to the security forces due to the topography of the area. The area where the terrorists were hiding was very congested and civilians in the adjoining houses had to be evacuated from the site of the encounter," said a police spokesman.

A joint team of Army, J&K police and CRPF started the operation on Thursday night in the Babagund village of Kralgund-Handwara.

After many hours of lull, the forces thought they had neutralised the terrorists. When the forces moved closer to clear the debris, they came under heavy fire from the nearby area, leaving 10 security men, including a CRPF commandant injured.

Four personnel died of their injuries on Friday, while the fifth succumbed on Sunday morning.

The two slain policemen have been identified as Selection Grade Constables Ghulam Mustafa and Naseer Ahmad Kholi. Inspector Pintu, Head Constable SN Yadav and Constable Vinod of the CRPF were martyred too.

"Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. Police has registered a case in this matter and the incriminating materials retrieved from the site of encounter have been taken in the case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror cases", said a police spokesman.

TRICKED BY LULL

After hours of lull, forces thought they had killed the terrorists. They came under attack as they moved closer to clear debris