Two soldiers, four militants killed in Kashmir encounter

NEW DELHI, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- Two soldiers and four militants were killed in an exchange of fire between extremists and Indian security forces in Chowkibal area of Kupwara district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, local media reported.
Indian news agency ANI said that two soldiers were martyred and four others injured while four militants were neutralized in the encounter in Chowkibal area of Kupwara. The local police had launched a joint search operation along with Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group of state police and Central Reserve Police Force in the area since Friday after receiving intelligence input that militants are hiding in a house in Marseri village.
As the security forces demanded to surrender after encircling the house, the militants started firing indiscriminately resulting in the death of two soldiers and injuring four others.
All the four militants were also killed as the security forces destroyed the house they were holed up.
New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting and funding the armed groups in Kashmir, claims which Islamabad denies and insists Kashmir people are defending their freedom. (end) atk.tg