SRINAGAR, May 22: A militant was killed on Monday night while trying to cross over to this side of the Line of Control, a military line that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

An army spokesman said that a gun battle started after soldiers spotted a group of militants in Gambhir area of the LoC with their surveillance equipment.

“At around midnight troops observed that three to four persons, with weapons were moving towards the LoC fence. On being challenged by troops from the nearest post, the persons moving, started fire,” Jammu based defence spokesman Colonel R.K. Palta said.

The gun battle, he said, lasted for about half an hour. But no soldier was hurt.

The body of the slain militant was found Tuesday morning by the soldiers. However efforts are on to establish his identity.

“It is a distinct possibility that the weapon of the slain terrorist was carried back by his retreating accomplices, which is usually their modus operandi,” Col. Palta said.

With the snow melting on high mountain passes in Kashmir, the Army has stepped up its vigil along the line of control.