Tuesday, August 8 2006 12:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: "Three Jaish-e-Mohammad militants, two of whom were tasked to create trouble on the eve of Independence Day, were shot dead by police in fierce gunfights early today (Aug 8, 2006) and a cache of arms and ammunitions recovered from them," a senior police official said.

Acting on specific information, police launched a cordon and search operation in Jakti-Negrota in the outskirts of the city in the wee hours, Jammu district police chief Mukesh Singh told sources.

"A gun-battle took place between the ultras and security forces lasting close to an hour during which two top JeM militants, who had come to the city to possibly disrupt the Independence Day celebrations, were killed," Singh said.

One of the militants has been identified as Abu Khalid from Pakistan. Two AK rifles, four magazines, four grenades besides explosive materials and a police badge were recovered from the slain militants, Singh said adding that further investigation is on.

In a separate encounter in Doda district's Keshwan area army troops shot dead one JeM militant Hassan Bhai of Pakistan in a gunbattle early today, official sources said.

One Ak rifle, two magazines, one pistol, seven grenades and a wireless set were recovered from the spot.