Militant killed by security forces

Srinagar, Dec 18: A militant was killed by security forces in north Kashmir district of Kupwara today, official sources said.

They said troops of the Rashitriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir had launched a joint operation at Lalpora in the frontier district of Kupwara this morning following a tip off that some militants were hiding there.

However, while the troops were busy sealing the area, the militants attacked them with automatic weapons and also hurled grenades at them. Security forces also retaliated and one militant was killed. One AK 47 rifle besides some arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militant, they said, adding the operation was still on.

Security forces with the police also launched a search operation at Sumbler, Bandipora, in Baramulla district this morning.

The searches were still on when reports last came in, sources added.

UNI