Kupwara encounter: Gunbattle ends after 48 hours, 5 policemen martyred, 5 terrorists killed

The nearly 48-hour gunbattle in the dense Kupwara forest in north Kashmir ended on Wednesday night, with five security personnel, including three Army jawans and two policemen, dead and an equal number of terrorists killed, police said.

The fresh exchange of fire occurred during the search operation in Kupwara's Halmatpora on Wednesday. Four terrorists were gunned down by the Indian Army during an encounter last night.

The militants opened fire on Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police and soldiers of 41 RR of the Indian Army at Arampora area in Kupwara.

Army official told PTI the soldiers reacted swiftly and launched an operation to track down the militants.

"At around 3.30 pm, a gun battle broke out between the militants and the security forces," he said.

Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the forest area and the area has been cordoned off to ensure the security of civilians.

(With agency inputs)

OneIndia News