Srinagar, Nov 8 (UNI) Three Pakistani infiltrators were killed while four soldiers, including an officer, were martyred during an encounter at the Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector in the frontier district of Kupwara in the early hours of Sunday, a defence ministry spokesman said this evening.

A BSF spokesman said a constable Sudip Sarkar died in the initial exchange of fire.

Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia giving details about the encounter said troops guarding LoC noticed suspicious movement of three militants near LoC fence in Machil sector in Kupwara at 0100 hours on Sunday.

However, when challenged and asked to surrender, the infiltrators opened fire with automatic weapons, he said adding the fire was retaliated and in the ensuing encounter a militant was killed.

He said one AK rifle and two bags were recovered from the slain militant.

BSF spokesman said constable Sudip Sarkar who continued fighting despite being injured succumbed before he could be shifted to hospital.

He said troops from 15 Corps also joined the operation which was going on when the reports last came in.

Col Kalia said two more militants were killed in the encounter. However, he said three soldiers, including an officer were martyred while two others were injured, who were evacuated to a hospital.

He said the operation was going on when the last reports came in.

Meanwhile, senior Army officers and Director General of Police (DGP) have said there are a large number of militants in launch pads at LoC in POK to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to heavy snowfall. However, they said, security forces guarding the LoC are already on high alert to foil any such infiltration attempt.

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