An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists. (Representational Image)
At least three jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed and seven injured after a patrolling party of the paramilitary force was attacked by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara on Monday, triggering a fierce gun-battle.
The encounter comes after a day after the death of five security personnel, including two army officers, in the same arrea in a face-off with terrorists that began on Saturday.
Sources said the terrorists targetted a CRPF patrol and launched heavy fire on them.
The CRPF unit repulsed the attack and reinforcements from other security agencies have reached the area, officials said.
"Encounter is underway. We have suffered some casualties," said a CRPF officer.
In Saturday's encounter, two senior army officers - a colonel and a major - were among five security personnel who lost their lives.
A police officer and two soldiers were also part of the five-member team that came under heavy fire from terrorists.
A joint anti-terrorist operation by the armed forces and the J&K Police was carried out in the Handwara area of the district in north Kashmir, about 70 km from capital Srinagar, an official statement said, adding that the five-member team was able to rescue several civilians.
Two terrorists were killed during the joint operation.