Security forces launched a search operation around Ratinpora after terrorists fired at a patrol (Press Trust of India photo).
Two terrorists have been killed by security forces in a fierce encounter near the Ratanpore village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Tuesday.
This was the second major encounter in the same area of south Kashmir in less than a week.
The encounter started on Monday evening after an army patrol was fired upon by terrorists. The army retaliated with gunfire and immediately cordoned off the area.
The police and CRPF joined the operation and a major gunfight broke out as two terrorists who took shelter in a residential house started raining heavy fire on security forces.
The operation was suspended during the night as large crowds from nearby village started pelting stones on the security forces.
The encounter resumed this morning and after heavy exchange of fire through the day both terrorists were killed. Police said that during the night terrorists tried break the cordon but they were trapped in nearby paddy fields where a severe gun-battle took place.
Police say they are trying to ascertain the identity of slain terrorists.