Seven militants were killed and an army jawan was injured in three separate encounters with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir [Images] since last night, a defence spokesman said in Srinagar [Images] Tuesday.

Three unidentified militants were killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Maligund village of Shopian area in Pulwama district Monday night, the spokesman said.

He said following specific information, the troops cordoned off the area and asked the militants to surrender. However, the ultras opened fire and the army retaliated, triggering a fierce encounter that lasted for several hours, he said.

While three militants were killed, a jawan sustained injuries, the spokesman said adding that three AK rifles and some arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

Three militants were killed in an encounter in Macchil sector of Kupwara district Monday night, official sources said.

It was not clear whether the militants were trying to infiltrate into this side or had already been in the village as the area falls close to the Line of Control, the sources said.

Another militant was killed in an encounter in Bemina area of the city. The identity and the group affiliation of the slain militant was being ascertained, they said.