Encounter on between security forces and militants in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir, police said today.

Security forces launched a search operation in Bhawan village in Zachaldara area of Handwara last night following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The official said a brief exchange of firing took place between the two sides even as reinforcements of security forces were rushed to the area to prevent the militants from escaping.

The firing resumed this morning and was going on intermittently till reports last came in, the official said.

The official said so far there have been no reports of any casualties on either side.