In Jammu & Kashmir, the death toll of militants reached seven during gunfights in various areas in north Kashmir's Kupwara district in last 24 hours. Defence spokesman told AIR that one unidentified militant was killed in an encounter in Wadarbala (Peth Wadar) forest area of Handwara sector in the district today forenoon. Six militants were yesterday killed in separate operations in Lolab and Drugmulla forest areas in Kupwara.<br/><br/>The spokesman said the operation is underway in the Handwara area. Yesterday, the Army and J and K Police launched joint operations in three different areas in the district to track down militants hiding in the forest areas.