Jammu (PTI): Three men among 10 captives were killed by militants during the 19-hour-long hostage drama that ended late on Wednesday night after Army's special forces shot dead the three terrorists believed to be from LeT.

Those killed by the militants were Ashok Kumar, a teacher who was a tenant in the two-storeyed house where the operation took place, Shyam Murari, a Territorial Army jawan who went inside the house while chasing the militants and was taken captive, and Kala Ram, a neighbour who reached there after hearing the commotion.

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel S D Goswami said that seven hostages, including four children and their mother Sunita Devi, who sustained bullet injuries in her leg, were safe after the gunbattle between the security forces and militants.

The two other hostages who were also safe were Uttam, uncle of the four children and his wife Ritu. Billu Ram, father of the children and owner of the house, had been bitten by a snake a few days ago and was not present inside.

"The final assault was launched late last night by the special forces of the army and entire family of the house owner including four children was rescued," Goswami said.

After the killing of all the militants holed up inside the house at Chinore, 20 kms from Jammu city, the army moved in and brought out the hostages.

Thirtyfive-year-old Sunita Devi has been admitted to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu.

The children have been identified as Sheetal (9), Vipin (2), Ashad (7) and Kajal (4). Sarsa Ram, uncle of Billu Ram, who was staying in a neighbouring house, died following a heart attack during the operation, police sources said.