Some 20 civilian protesters were also injured in Kundalan village as people poured out of their homes to try foil the security operation, forcing security personnel to fire tear gas and pellet gunshots, police said.

The two militants were killed after they opened fire on security forces, triggering a gun battle.

One of the slain militants was identified as Sameer Ahmad Sheikh of Shopian district while the security forces believe that the other dead militant could be a foreigner.

Muhammad Ishaq Naikoo suffered cardiac arrest and died after being told by neighbours that his son Zeenat, who had just joined the militant ranks, was caught up in the battle.

Two soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, injured in the gunfight were shifted to the Army's 92 Base Hospital here.

A young man injured in clashes with the security forces near the gunfight site succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Police identified him as Tamsheel Ahmad Khan of Vehil village.

Doctors at the S.M.H.S. Hospital in Srinagar said the youth had a gunshot injury in his head and despite their best efforts he could not be revived.