Two militants and a soldier were killed in a gunfight in Pazalpora area of Sopore town falling in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.A police official said that a joint team of government forces launched a cordon and search operation at Pazalpora area of Dangiwacha in Sopore based on credible input about the presence of militants in the area.As the search operation was going on, the hiding militants fired upon the search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed. The identity of the slain militants is being ascertained,” the police official added.He said that in the initial exchange of fire, one army man received serious bullet injuries and was evacuated to hospital for medical attention. However, the injured jawan succumbed at the hospital. He has been identified as Lance Naik Brijesh Kumar of 22RR.Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. Police has registered a case in this regard and investigation has been initiated in the instant matter,” said police official.“Citizens are once again requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosives materials if any,” he added. Reports said that slain militants were identified as Aqeel Rashid Sofi (17) of Khanpora and Mehnaz Mohiudin Mir, son of Ghulam Mohiudin Mir of Brath Kalan Sopore. Thousands of people participated in his funeral procession. He was laid to rest amid pro-freedom slogans. (CNS)