Fierce encounter between holed up militants, SF in Kashmir

Srinagar: A fierce encounter ensued this morning between militants holed up in a house and security forces in the central Kashmir district of Badgam, official sources said. They said on a tip-off about the presence of militants, the Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a search operation at village Durbugh, Chadoora in Badgam, about 15 km from here.

However, when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons. The forces immediately retaliated, ensuing a fierce gun battle. Though all the exit points have already been sealed, additional security forces have been rushed to ensure there is no demonstration to disrupt the operation in the adjoining villages. Sources said the inputs received says two militants are holed up in the area.

 Details about the operation were awaited, they said. Local residents said they heard heavy volume of fire besides loud explosions when people were preparing for Fajr (morning) prayers. Security forces were directing people to remain indoor, they said. (UNI)