india

Updated: Apr 02, 2015 19:09 IST

Two security personnel were killed and another critically injured during a gun battle between government forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday.

Officials said the fighting started after security forces intercepted the two militants who had taken shelter inside two homes at Hardushoora village.

Army and police personnel cordoned off the area and exchanged fire for several hours with the gunmen during which a civilian was also injured.

The militants managed to escape and were on the loose, said officials.

“They were tracked, pressing dogs into service. Pursuit is still on and operation is still in progress, though at a new location,” said Srinagar-based army spokesperson colonel Brijesh Pandey.

The militants reportedly fired first forcing the security personnel to retaliate.

“A policeman, identified as Mohammad Shafi of Pattan in Baramulla, and an army man, Nagraj Purshotam, were killed, while another was seriously injured,” the spokesman said.

Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes near the border in J&K last winter with Pakistan trying to push militants into Indian territories by targeting army outposts and civilian areas.

The injured soldier is receiving treatment at an army hospital in Srinagar, while the civilian has been shifted to another medical institute in the city.