Srinagar, Aug 19(KNS): A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Army was killed in an encounter with militants in Thanamandi area Rajouri district in Jammu on Thursday. 

An official told Kashmir news service (KNS), that a JCO of the Rashtriya Rifles was critically injuried during encounter following which he was immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility, but he succumbed to the injuries. 

Earlier, a massive cordon and search operation was launched by the security forces in the forest area of Thanamandi after the presence of militants.

The search operation as per officials was turned into an encounter after the hiding militants opened fire on the forces, who retaliated. The firing is going on both sides. (KNS).