National Conference working president Omar Abdullah today expressed condolences to the families of the two security personnel killed in an encounter with militants in Tral area of Kashmir.

"My heartfelt condolences to the families & colleagues of Col Rai & the 2 jawans of the army as also of Constable Singh of J&K Police martyred in the line of duty in Tral today,"

Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter, "A grim reminder of the costly sacrifices militancy in J&K continues to demand of our men," he added.

Two security personnel, including an army officer, who was awarded a gallantry medal on the occasion of Republic Day, were today killed in a fierce gun battle which also left two Hizbul Mujahideen militants dead in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, an army spokesman said.

Colonel M M Rai, commanding officer of 42 Rashtriya Rifles, and a policeman were killed in the gunbattle at Mindora village of Tral, 36 km from Srinagar, he said.