Srinagar: Three militants including two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) activists were today (June 28, 2004) killed in separate encounters with security forces in Baramulla and Kupwara districts of Jammu and Kashmir, a Defence spokesman said in Srinagar.

Two militants were shot dead by security forces in Trech forests of Kupwara district near the Line of Control this afternoon after nearly two hours of fierce gun battle, he said.

The slain militants were identified as Mohammad Umar Ashraf of JeM and Mohammad Yousuf of Lashkar-e-Toiba. Both were residents of Pakistan, he added.

Two rifles, four magazines, 87 rounds, four hand grenades and two diaries were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said.

In a separate encounter in Bahak forests of Bandipore area of Baramulla district, another Jaish militant, identified as Arshad Ahmad, was killed by security forces, he said.

One AK rifle, three magazines, 55 rounds and three hand grenades were recovered from the possession of the slain militant, he said.

Another militant was believed to be injured in the shootout, he said adding the forces were sifting through the area to nab the ultra.