A defence spokesman in Srinagar [Images] said troops surrounded a large forest area in the Shamswari mountain range three days back, on specific information about presence of militants.

"Hiding militants opened fire at the surrounding troops, which was returned, leading to firing exchanges which are still continuing," defence spokesman Lt. Col. J.S.Brar told rediff.com in Srinagar.

"So far six militants have been killed in the area. One army major and three troopers also died in the two encounters. The operation is still continuing," Brar added.

The slain army major has been identified as Major Mohit Sharma of 1-para regiment, and a resident of Rajendranagar in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh [Images].

"Operations are being conducted in the densely forested areas. Arms and ammunition have been also been recovered from those areas," Brar also informed.

Earlier, one army trooper was wounded, when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing at the Indian positions in the northern Uri sector of the Line of Control [Images] on Sunday.