Kupwara, Nov 08 (KNS): Three army men and a BSF trooper were killed in an encounter that broke out Sunday morning after militants attempted to infiltrate the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil sector of Kupwara district, an official said.

According to Kashmir based defence spokesman three militants were also killed in the fierce gunfire.

He said BSF patrol noticed suspicious movement around 3.5 km from the LoC and  an encounter soon broke out in the area in which one of the militant was killed. A BSF soldier was also killed in action.

The firing stopped at 4 am. Following this, reinforcements were rushed to the area. Firing resumed at 10.20 am at approximately 1.5 km from the LoC. In the ensuing firefight, two more militants were killed. The Indian side also saw three more casualties. Two of the injured soldiers have been evacuated added.

Meanwhile a police official also confirmed the encounter to KNS and said three army personnel, three militants and a BSF trooper were killed in the encounter, he however said the searches in the area is going on.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the Security personnel who were during an encounter with militants in Machil sector of Kupwara district.
The Lt Governor saluted the sacrifice of the jawans and lauded the courage and valour displayed by them while protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The Nation will always remain indebted to brave hearts who have laid down their lives for providing safe and secure environment to our people, he added.(KNS)