Five Lashkar militants, soldier killed in Kashmir encounter

Srinagar, June 24 (UNI) Five militants of the Pakistan-based Lashkar -e-Toiba (LeT) and a soldier were killed while another sustained serious injuries in a fierce gun-battle in Kupwara district of north Kashmir today, a defence spokesman said.

A defence spokesman described it as another infiltration bid.

The Army and police launched a joint operation following specific information regarding presence of a recently infiltrated group of militants at Ismail-de-Dera in Keran sector of Kupwara district.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kupwara, said as the the personnel of police and 8 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) zeroed in on a particular place in the area, the militants opened fire on them with automatic weapons.

In the ensuing fierce gun-battle, five militants belonging to the banned Lashkar outfit were gunned down, he added.

The SSP further said a soldier also lost his life while another sustained serious wounds in the gunfight. He has been shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Security forces were conducting a massive search in the area.

Further details are awaited.

UNI