At least nine militants were gunned down by the security forces near the Line of Control in Nowgam sector in north Kashmir Kupwara district on Wednesday night.

A senior police officer told rediff.com that security forces intercepted a group of infiltrators immediately after they crossed over to this side.

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The militants opened fire on the troops.

"The militants were engaged in a fierce gun battle and so far bodies of nine militants have been recovered. The operation is still continuing," the officer said. "There are reports of more militants trapped in the area."