Srinagar: Four militants of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit were killed in a 48-hour-long gun battle in Baramulla district in North Kashmir, a defence spokesman said on September 23.

The encounter broke out on September 20 night when the troops of Rashtriya Rifles laid an ambush along the route being used by militants at Krimsarnar in Bandipora area and detected a group of heavily- armed ultras, he said.

On being challenged, the militants opened heavy firing in a bid to escape, the spokesman said. They were chased by the troops who encircled them.

While one ultra identified as Abdul Hameed was killed in the encounter the same night, three of his associates were eliminated on September 22 night when the operation was called off, he said. The other slain militants were identified as Salahuddin, Abu Omar and Abu Waqar.

Four AK assault rifles, nine magazines, 158 rounds, 46 hand grenades, 48 UBGL shells and two wireless sets were recovered from the killed militants, the spokesman said.

PTI