Srinagar: Three militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir Sunday, police said.

The identity of the slain militants is being ascertained, a police official said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Laroo area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir following specific information about the presence of militants in the area, he said.

As the forces were conducting the searches, the ultras fired upon them, triggering the encounter, the official added.