Two senior army officers - a colonel and a major- were among five security personnel killed in action during an encounter in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. A police officer and two army soldiers were also killed as the security personnel came under heavy fire during the encounter which began on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel killed in the encounter. "Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends," PM Modi tweeted. Two terrorists were killed during the joint operation by the army and the Jammu and Kashmir police.