In Jammu and Kashmir, four militants and two soldiers were killed in two separate encounters near the Line of Control in the frontier district of Kupwara today.

The first encounter took place in Keran sector while the second encounter near Kalaroos started when a group of six to eight militants was intercepted by the Army.

AIR Correspondent reports, according to an Army spokesman the militants resorted to heavy firing when the Army troops challenged them.

The fire was returned effectively by the troops thereby ensuing a fierce gun-battle which left four militants dead and two Army personnel injured.

One seriously injured Army jawan identified as Naik Neeraj Kumar was airlifted to Army Hospital, Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries.
Reinforcements have been rushed to the site of encounter and the entire forest area has been cordoned off.

The exchange of fire was going on intermittently when the reports last came in.

Earlier, one Army Jawan identified as Rahul Kumar was killed in a separate encounter with militants in Keran area of Kupwara district.