A soldier was killed after militants and government forces exchange fire during a cordon and search operation in Kachlu Kralgund area of North Kashmir’s Handwara town on Friday morning.Combined Forces including soldiers from 32 Rashtriya Rifles cordoned off Kachlu village after getting inputs about the presence of militants during wee hours, however, as soon as the operation started, militants opened fire on soldiers resulting in the fatal injuries of a soldier who later on succumbed to his injuries.Reports said that there was a brief shootout after which militants escaped from the spot. The operation was called off after massive search operation.Militants also managed to escape from Mir Mohalla area of Hajin Banidpora on Friday morning.Reports said that a joint team of army's 13 RR, SOG and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the locality following specific inputs about the presence of some militants.The locals clashed with government forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shelling. There was also exchange of fire between militants and Forces after which militants escaped from the spot.