Three militants killed in encounter in Kashmir's Kupwara district

Three militants were killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in north Kashmir's Kupwara district today.

The gun battle broke out after troops of 21 Rashtriya Rifles and police launched a cordon and search operation in Bagh-e-Hakhar in Handwara, 90km from Srinagar, in Kupwara, official sources said.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, three militants have been killed.

The operation was still in progress when reports last came in.