JOIN USA militant was killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Sunday morning.
Police said the militant was killed after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Langate town of Handwara, 100 km from here, following information about the presence of militants in the area.
Defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia, while confirming the death of the militant in the encounter, said a grenade, a rifle and Pakistani currency were recovered from the encounter site.
With militancy, especially home-grown, on the rise, security forces have launched a massive operation to flush out the terrorists.
As many as 155 militants have been killed so far this year, which is the highest in the last decade. The security forces are going after militants as part of 'Operation Hunt down'.