"Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel martyred in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends," Modi tweeted.

Paying tributes to the martyrs, Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "I bow to our soldiers and security personnel martyred while protecting our motherland during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara in J&K. Nation will always remain indebted to their supreme sacrifice. My deepest condolences to their bereaved families."

Earlier, offering condolences on martyrdom of five security personnel, including a decorated army colonel, in an encounter with terrorists in J&K, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said their sacrifice and bravery would never never be forgotten.

"The loss of our soldiers and security personnel in Handwara (J&K) is deeply disturbing and painful. They showed exemplary courage in their fight against terrorists and made supreme sacrifice while serving the country. We will never forget their bravery and sacrifice," Singh tweeted.

"My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones today. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of these brave martyrs," the Minister tweeted.

Saluting the personnel, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said operations in Handwara highlighted determination of security forces to safeguard the lives of the people.

"Commanding Officer, leading from the front, along with other personnel of the unit and the J&K Police have laid down their lives, living up to the motto -- 'Service Before Self'," General Rawat said.

The armed forces, he said, were proud of their courage as they eliminated terrorists. "We salute these brave personnel and express our deep felt condolences for the bereaved families," he said.

In a statement, the Indian Army said based on the intelligence input that terrorists were taking hostage civilians of a house at Changimulla in Handwara of the Kupwara district, a joint operation was launched by the army and the J&K Police.

"A team, comprising five army and J&K Police personnel entered the target area, occupied by terrorists, to evacuate the civilians. The team extricated the civilians," it said.

During the process, the team was subjected to heavy fire by terrorists. "In the fire-fight two terrorists were eliminated and the team of five army and J&K personnel, comprising two officers, two soldiers and one J&K Police sub-inspector, attained martyrdom," the army said.