An encounter broke out in Keran sector in Kupwara district last night when security forces launched a search operation in the area following information about presence of militants, an army official said today.
He said in the exchange of fire, one soldier identified as Rahul Kumar was injured.
Kumar was taken to the military hospital at Drugmulla where he succumbed to injuries this morning.
The operation was in progress when reports last came in, the official added.