Srinagar, Oct. 21 (PTI): Three militants were killed on Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight, police said.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Laroo area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir following specific information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.
While conducting searches the militants fired upon them, he said, adding three terrorists were killed in the ensuing encounter.
The officials said immediately after the gunfight ended and the forces withdrew from the spot, civilians rushed to the encounter site where an explosive substance went off resulting in death of six civilians.
He said clashes broke out between groups of youth and security forces in the area and were going on when last reports came in.
