INDIA, Feb. 18 -- Two Jaish militants were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.

Militants opened fire after security forces zeroed in on two to three Jaish terrorists hiding in the area.

According to the reports, four soldiers including a major and a civilian lost their lives in the gun battle.

Jammu and Kashmir police earlier tweeted, "Exchange of fire at #Pinglan in District #Pulwama. Area under cordon. Details will follow."

According to the reports, the slain Jaish militants were believed to be the "masterminds" of the Pulwama terror attack.

A cordon and search operation was launched late last night by army, police and CRPF personnel after receiving specific information about the Jaish militants ...