Srinagar/New Delhi: As the country is gearing up to celebrate Republic Day, security forces gunned down two terrorists in an encounter in Khanmoh area of Pampore in outskirts of Srinagar on Saturday morning.

According to senior officers, combing exercise is still on as they suspect at least one or two militants are hiding in the area. The terrorists are suspected to be members of banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The operation was carried out by 50 Rashtriya Rifle, CRPF, and local police. Sources said a major tragedy was averted as the terrorist trapped in the encounter were planning to attack security establishments during Republic Day celebrations. They were planning to move towards the venue of the main function but were stopped six-seven km short of the SK cricket stadium.

The encounter in Srinagar comes on a day when India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day.

Earlier this week, three Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

On Friday, terrorists carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Anantnag and Pulwama districts. A loud bang was heard in the Civil Lines area of the city as well, but the police have ruled out a terror attack. No casualties were reported in the incident.