Three militants were killed in a gunfight that raged at Waterkhani in Drugmulla area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir. Earlier, a police official told GNS that acting on a specific information about the presence of some militants at forest area of Cherwari in Waterkhani, army’s 47 RR and SOG launched cordoned-and-search operation in the area.Soon after the forces launched cordon in the forest area, the militants opened fire upon them triggering off an encounter. "So far, three militants have been killed," he said.Meanwhile, massive clashes and protests erupted in the area after locals "spotted forces' dragging bodies of slain militants". According to the locals, they asked for the bodies of the slain but forces refused the same after which protests erupted in the area.Eyewitnesses said the youths staged massive pro-freedom and anti-India protests and pelted stones on forces. Police retaliated by teargas shells and also fired several gunshots in air, forcing protesters to disperse. (GNS)