Militant killed in Kashmir in encounter with security forces

SRINAGAR: A militant was killed in an overnight gunbattle with security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said today.

"The body of the militant has been recovered along with an AK rifle and some ammunition," a police spokesman said. Security forces had yesterday cordoned off village Kangan in Pulwama, 35 kms from here, following information about presence of militants in the village.

As the security forces were closing in on the target house, the militants opened firing, which was retaliated. The exchange of fire stopped after an hour leading to fatal injuries to the militant. The operation was halted for the night and the body of the slain ultra was recovered this morning. The spokesman said the identity and group affiliation of the slain militant is being ascertained.