Srinagar, October 19: Security forces gunned down four militants near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, according to reports. Although Jammu and Kashmir police have not confirmed the killings, the Army sources confirmed it to news agency IANS saying that the encounter took place in the Boniyar forests of Uri sector on Thursday evening.

"Four unidentified militants have been killed in this operation. Searches are now going on in the area," sources told the agency. Alert troops noticed some suspicious movement along the LoC near Tourna in Boniyar area and challenged the infiltrators, officials told PTI. The infiltrators opened firing at the security forces which was retaliated by the soldiers.

A search operation was underway. On Wednesday, three terrorists were gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Srinagar's Fateh Kadal area. A policeman was also martyred in the operation. Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were also injured as the holed up militants fired upon approaching personnel triggering the encounter.

On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh told security forces in Jammu and Kashmir not to fire first, but to retaliate without counting the bullets, if provoked. "It (Pakistan) is our neighbour, so don't fire first. But if even one bullet comes from that side, then don't take count of the bullets (fired in retaliation)," he said in his directive to the Armed forces.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 10:52 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).