SRINAGAR, July 17: Security forces on Tuesday shot dead an unidentified militant in a fierce gunbattle in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, police said.

They said the firefight, between militants and troops, broke out Monday night at Budh Shungani in Handwara area, 90 kms from Srinagar.

“Army and police had launched an öperation last night following information about movement of three to four militants in the area,” police official said.

He added that one militant has been killed so far.

Militancy related violence has increased in Kashmir in recent weeks although authorities claim that it was at its lowest ebb ever since it started more than two decades ago.

At least five militants and one soldier have been killed in different gun battles across the valley in past one week.