Security forces shot dead three militants and averted possible major tragedy detecting and neutralising an improvised explosive device in Surankote area of Poonch district in Jammu division, an official spokesman said on Tuesday. Police and CRPF also arrested eight militants who sneaked into the district from the line of control (LoC) and recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from them. The spokesman said Rashtriya Rifle troops and police in a joint operation eliminated three militants at Darasangla village of Poonch district after a brief encounter Monday evening. However one militant who was injured, managed to escape. Police recovered three AK-56 rifles along with seven magazines and 209 rounds of ammunition, four hand grenades and one radio set from the slain militants, who have been identified as Madasar, Shaheed and Pahla-all. Bureau Report