Encounter starts in Shopian in Kashmir

An encounter broke out today between militants and security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, police said.

The gunbattle started after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following information about presence of militants in Avneera village of Zainapora area of the district, a police official said.

As the security forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them, triggering a gunfight, he said.

There were no reports of any casualties so far, he added.