Srinagar, June 4 (IANS) Two militants have been killed in an ongoing operation by security forces in the Pir Panchal range of the Himalayas in south Kashmir, police said here Wednesday. “Following information about the build-up of guerrillas in the Pir Panchal mountain range, an operation against them has been launched from both sides of the range in Anantnag district of south Kashmir and Rajouri district of the Jammu region,” a police official said.

The officer said two militants were killed Tuesday in the joint operation by troops of 62 Rashtriya Rifles, 31 Rashtriya Rifles and 4 Paras of the army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police. The operation has been on for the last three days.

“Due to the extremely difficult terrain, the troops have to move with absolute caution,” the officer said.

While the exact number of militants hiding in the higher reaches of the Pir Panchal range is not known, sources said there could be over 20 militants.