ANANTNAG: Two terrorists have been gunned down in the encounter which started in Anantnag this morning. The encounter has concluded, combing operation is underway.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Lal Chowk area of the district this morning following information about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said.
Mobile internet service has been suspended in most parts of south Kashmir as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.
Acting on a tip-off about the presence of militants in a house at Lal Chowk, in the main town, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation at 0400 hrs this morning.
However, when the security forces were moving towards a particular area, the militants hiding in a house resorted to indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons.
Security forces also retaliated, ensuing in an encounter, the sources added. The operation was going on when the reports last came in. Additional security forces have been rushed to prevent any demonstration in the area.
Details are awaited, the sources said, adding that two to three militants are holed up in the area.
Meanwhile, an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces was also reported from Keran sector along the Line of Control in north Kashmir Kupwara district, the police said adding that details of the incident were awaited.
(With agency inputs)