In Jammu & Kashmir, the search and cordon operation to track down remaining militants of a group in the north Kashmir's forest area of Kupwara district is in progress on the 6th day today. More troops, para commandos, other ground forces were deployed while helicopters were being used to track down hiding militants in the area.<br/><br/>The search operations have been intensified and cordon extended to the adjoining Kalaroos, Hyhama and Trumnard villages. Reports said remaining three militants of Lashkar e Toiba group infiltrated into this side of Line of Control on 31st of last month. <br/><br/>The group was trapped in the mountainous terrain due to heavy rains and snowfall while an unidentified militant reportedly died due to chilly cold or by slipping into a gorge in the area. <br/><br/>The group has been giving slip to the forces and inflicted damages thrice during past week. Yesterday, Colonel Santosh Mahadik died in a fierce encounter in Manigah forest area in Kupwara district. Five force personnel including four Army jawans and a cop of Special Operations Group of J&K Police have been injured till now in the anti militancy operation launched on Friday.<br/><br/>Meanwhile in a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment Srinagar, the Army paid rich tributes to Colonel Santosh Mahadik. The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen DS Hooda, Srinagar based Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua and IGP Kashmir Javed Mujtaba Gillani laid wreath along with other army personnel in the honour of officer. <br/><br/>State Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed have also paid tributes and expressed sympathies with the spouse and family of Col Santosh.