Srinagar, Dec 25: The over 24-hour hostage crisis ended on Monday night after security forces killed the three militants hiding inside the mosque and rescued five persons in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir.

The militants were driven out of their hiding when the security personnel threw tear smoke shells following which they were engaged in a gun battle in which two militants were killed, police sources said.

The third militant took shelter in one of the mosque's minarets and after nearly an-hour long encounter with the police he too was killed.

Police officials said that all the five hostages were safe. No damage has been caused to the mosque in the gun battle.

Militants took refuge in a mosque at Palanyarepora village, on Sunday afternoon when the area was being searched by security forces, and also took five villagers as hostages.

One civilian was injured on Sunday in the firing by the militants at the police.

The militants were identified as Shiraz Ahmad Bhat, Mudasir Ahmad Mir and Ishfaq Ahmad Wagay. (ANI)