Srinagar, Aug 12 (IANS) Three separatist guerrillas were killed in a fierce gun battle in the upper reaches of north Kashmir’s Bandipore district Thursday morning, an official here said.

According to a defence spokesman, troops of counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles and state police personnel jointly surrounded a forest area near Chatter in the upper reaches of Bandipore district early morning following specific information.

‘As the security forces were busy searching the forest area, hidden militants opened fire at them. The fire was returned triggering an encounter at the end of which three militants were killed,’ defence spokesman Lt. Col. J.S. Brar said.

He said security forces are still busy searching the forest area.

The identity of the slain guerrillas is yet to be ascertained.