NEW DELHI, Nov 10 (KUNA) -- Indian security authorities said on Sunday that a Junior Commissioned Officer of the Army's special forces was killed and three more soldiers were injured in an encounter with militants in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Press Trust of India said quoting officials that Subedar Rakesh Kumar of the Indian Army's 2 Para was killed and three soldiers were injured after an encounter broke out when joint search parties of the Army and police intercepted the militants in the Keshwan forest of Kishtwar. Following intelligence inputs a joint team of the police and the Army launched the search and cordon operation in the area. The injured soldiers who are in critical condition were evacuated to a nearby hospital.

In another development, an exchange of fire was reported between militants and a joint team of police and security forces in Zabarwan forest area of Srinagar.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting and funding the armed groups in Kashmir, claims which Islamabad denies. (end)

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