2 militants, soldier killed, officer injured in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 22 (UNI) Two militants and a soldier were killed and four army personnel, including a Lt Colonel, were injured in an encounter in the frontier district of Kupwara today.

The encounter was still going on when reports last came in, a defence ministry spokesperson told UNI.

He said troops of 45 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a search operation in the forest area at Machil this morning following a tip-off about the presence of militants there.

When the area was being sealed from all sides, militants opened fire and also hurled grenades.

Troops retaliated and the fierce encounter was going on, he said.

So far two militants were killed, the spokesperson added.

A soldier also laid down his life and four others, including a Lt Colonel were injured.

Despite being injured the officer was still leading the troops, he added.

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