2 soldiers, 2 militants killed in encounter in Kashmir

At least two soldiers and two militants were killed in an encounter at Handwara in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, army said on Friday.

The encounter broke out in Laribal village of Zachaldara in Handwara, 100 kilometre from Srinagar, on Thursday night after security forces launched an operation, an army officer said.

In the ensuing gunbattle, two unidentified militants and two soldiers were killed so far, he said.

The operation is still in progress as there were inputs about the presence of other militants in the area, the officer added.

The encounter comes in the midst of the border security forces talks between India and Pakistan in New Delhi. At the talks, which gave out positive vibes, the two sides decided to stop firing and ceasefire violations and reduce human casualties.

In September so far, Pakistan has violated the ceasefire 11 times.