One militant killed as 48-hour operation on in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 29 (UNI) One militant was killed as troops launched a massive search operation in about 10-km woods in north Kashmir, official sources said.

Six soldiers, including an officer were injured in the operation which was still going on when the reports last came in.

The sources said troops of 33 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and six Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint operation in the woods at Chornar, four km from Magam, Handwara, in the frontier district of Kupwara.

When the troops were moving deep into the forest, militants opened fire. The fire was returned and in - exchange six soldiers, including an officer were injured. A defence ministry spokesman, however, said only two soldiers were injured.

He further one militant was so far killed in the encounter. The operation was launched early yesterday morning.

One AK-47, four magazines, 52 rounds of ammunition and two hand grenades were recovered from the slain militant.

A UNI report from Baramulla said reinforcement was rushed to the area from near-by camps and the 10-km forest area has been sealed from all sides.

The troops were moving inside the forest from all directions to reach the militants, it said.

UNI BAS ASM PY RK1655