Three Hizbul militants killed in encounter in Kashmir

Srinagar: Three Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in an overnight encounter in Tral area of South Kashmir's Pulwama district, an army official said today.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dadsara area of Tral last night, following information about the presence of militants there, the official said.

The official said in the ensuing gun fight three local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen were killed.

The slain militants have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Isaq Parray and Asif Ahmed Mir, the official said, adding that Bhat was involved in providing shelter to militants involved in Udhampur attack on a BSF convoy last year.

Three AK rifles have been recovered from the scene of the gun battle, where search and sanitisation operation are in progress, the official said.