One militant and two troopers were killed after the Ratnipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district witnessed an encounter between militants and security forces on Tuesday morning.

A gunfight was triggered by a small group of militants who were found holed up during a search operation by security forces.

A cordon and search operation was launched in Ratnipora overnight after information about the presence of militants was received. "When the cordon was tightened, the militants opened fired," an officer said.

As news about the gun battle spread, the security forces engaged in clashes with a group of youths in the area who tried to disrupt the operation.

Communication services, including mobile internet and rail services between the Bannihal town of Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, were suspended for the day.

The army men who lost their lives in the battle are, Havaldar Baljeet of 50RR and Naik.Saneed of 10 Para.

Chanderpal of 50RR was injured but is now in a stable condition.

Reportedly, two militants have managed to escape.