Four soldiers and as many militants were killed on Tuesday in two separate gunfights in the Kashmir Valley, officials said.

An army officer Maj. S. Dhaiya succumbed to injuries he sustained during an encounter in north Kashmir's Kupwara district succumbed, defence spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia told media, adding that three militants were also gunned down.

The post-gunfight combing operation led to recovery of three weapons, Kalia said.

Earlier in the day, three soldiers and a militant were killed and eight others injured in a gunfight between the security forces and militants in Bandipora district.

The incident took place when security forces launched a search operation in Parraypora village after receiving information about holed-up militants.

Eight people, including seven security men and a civilian, were injured during the gunfight in the village located in Hajin area.

The gunfight has ended, police said. The slain militants identity was being established.

The three soldiers killed in the gunfight belonged to the 13 Rashtriya Rifles.
    

In less than 48 hours, 16 people, including six soldiers and two civilians, have been killed.

On February 12, two soldiers, four militants and two civilians were killed in a gunfight in southern Kulgam district.

The incident triggered clashes between civilians and security forces, leaving around two dozen people injured.