J&K encounter: 4 militants killed

"The terrorists had possibly infiltrated across the International Border on night 26/27 Nov. They had changed into military fatigues and the civil clothes worn by them earlier were recovered near a Culvert which is about 1.5 km inside own territory from the International Border," the Indian Army said in a statement.

" There after they gunned down five  civilians further inside and attempted to hijack a white Maruti 800 car. On 27 Nov at about 0800 hours the terrorists were challenged by own troops and initial contact was established," it said.

The Army said quick reaction teams immediately established an initial cordon and additional  troops were rushed in to strengthen the cordon.

In the ensuring fire fight three terrorists were killed.

An air tight cordon was established on the night of Nov 27 and the area kept under surveillance. The search operation recommenced at first light on Nov 28 and after a heavy engagement,  the fourth  terrorist was killed, the Army said.

Three army soldiers were martyred in the operation.

Four  AK 47 rifles, one pistol, one Improvised Explosive Device, one disposable rocket launcher and two fired disposable rocket launcher cases,  three radio sets, hand grenades, large quantity of AK ammunition and food items were recovered from the slain militants.

"The timely action by the army helped in averting a likely terrorist action in the hinterland. The area continues to be sanitized by the Army," read the statement.