LoC infiltration bid foiled, 3 militants killed

According to reports,  a group of militants were attempting to infiltrate from across the border in Nowgam sector of north Kashmir's Handwara town.

Three militants were killed during a gunbattle between the two sides.

"A major Infiltration bid foiled by Army along the Line of control near Naugam Sector, J&K today. #JKOps," the Indian Army tweeted.

"#Naugam Infiltration : 3 Terrorists killed & Operations in progress #JKOps," it said.

The incident occurred on a day when the state witnessed second phase of assembly polls where 71 percent voters exercised their franchise.

At least 18 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir went to the hustings in this phase.

In Kashmir, during the first hour voters, including women and elderly people, braved cold weather and were seen standing in long queues outside various polling stations to exercise their franchise.

The second phase voting  sealed the fate of 175 candidates including deputy speaker, four ministers and 11 other sitting MLAs amidst tight security in Kulgam and Kupwara districts after the attacks on village council heads by suspected militants.

The second phase polling covered 18 constituencies including five in Kupwara district, four in Kulgam, three seats in Reasi, Udhampur and Poonch district each.

The first phase of polling that was held on Nov  25 in Jammu Kashmir witnessed over 71 percent voting in 15 seats.

On Sunday, suspected militants shot dead ruling  National Conferences (NC) Sarpanch outside his house in his village Nazneenpora in South Kashmir under Shopian district.

(With inputs from Saleem Iqbal Qadri)