Security forces on Sunday afternoon gunned down two militants who were holed up in a mosque at a south Kashmir village, ending a 24-hour stand off.

The police said the militants took shelter at a mosque at Tujan village, 50 km from Srinagar [Images] on Saturday afternoon during a search operation by the troops of 53 Rashtriya Rifles and special operations group in the village.

"During the searches the militants entered the mosque after exchange of fire with the security forces," a senior police officer said.

Security forces surrounded the mosque and cordoned off the area.

The two holed up militants ignored appeals to lay down arms, and instead started firing at the surrounding troops.

"The operation has ended with the killing of the two holed up militants. The mosque was partially damaged in the operation," the officer said.

Searches are still going on in the area.