Jawan killed in Kashmir gunbattle

SRINAGAR: A Rashtriya Rifles soldier was killed and another wounded in a gunbattle with separatist guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, police said on Thursday.

The gunbattle started on Wednesday when joint forces, including local police, surrounded the militants hiding in Zachaldara area of Rajwar forests in the district, 78 km from here.

According to a police official, one person was killed on Wednesday while another received injuries.

"Firing is continuing. The cordon has been extended and more reinforcements have been rushed to the area," the officer said.