Four armed militants kidnapped National Conference district general secretary Gulam Nabi from Sankari village in Rajouri district yesterday and later shot him dead just half a km away from his house, the spokesman said.

Police has handed over Nabi's body to his relatives after conducting necessary legal formalities.

Troops have been rushed to the area to carry out search operations. However, the identity of Nabi's assailants was yet to be ascertained, the spokesman said.

Two militants were shot dead at Kathani village in Kandi area of Rajouri district last night following a brief encounter with security forces, the spokesman said.

The slain militants were identified as Dinga Khan and Tumur. The troops have also recovered two AK-47 rifles, 10 magazines and 180 rounds from the site of encounter.Army troops gunned down two militants belonging to Pakistan occupied Kashmir in an encounter at Bhadakhan area of Rajouri district early today, a defence spokesman said adding that two AK-47 rifles and some ammunition were also recovered.