Srinagar, Aug. 29 -- - Three militants and an army soldier were killed in an encounter in Zadoora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday, officials said.

State forces launched a cordon and search operation in Zadoora area of Pulwama after receiving specific information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened fire at a search party of the forces, who retaliated.

In the exchange of firing, three militants were killed, the official said.

Incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, was recovered from the encounter site, he added.

Srinagar-based Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said one soldier was criti...