Three infiltrators killed in Jammu and Kashmir

At least three militants trying to infiltrate into India from Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous Poonch district have been killed.

The incident took place late on Tuesday at Sadra Gali, about 230 km northwest of Jammu, when troops observed some movement.

A defence ministry spokesperson said it was established that a group of militants was trying to sneak into the Indian side. The troops challenged the infiltrators leading to a gun battle that lasted over two hours.

"Three militants were killed in the encounter," the spokesperson said. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained.

Arms and ammunition, including AK rifles and 11 hand grenades, have been recovered from the site.

Infiltration bids along the LoC, which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, are picking up with the melting of snow on the high mountain passes.