Jammu and Kashmir: Security forces gun down LeT militant in Handwara encounter

A Lashkar-e-Taiba militant was gunned after an encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara on Thursday, according to police.

"One terrorist killed an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Batpora in Kupwara's Handwara," the news agency ANI reported.

The encounter was underway in Batpora area of Handwara in the north Kashmir district, the official added.

#UPDATE: One terrorist killed an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Batpora in Kupwara's Handwara. #JammuAndKashmir

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2018

Earlier in the day, security forces launched a cordon and search operation following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area.

The operation turned into a gun flight after the terrorists fired upon security forces who retaliated.

The gun battle was underway when last reports came in.

(With inputs from agencies)