Srinagar: A brief exchange of gunfight took place between militants and government forces at Yaroo area of Langate, Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Tuesday late afternoon.

An army officer told GNS that the patrolling party of the army was fired upon by the militants in the area. “The fire was retaliated triggering off a brief exchange of gunfight”.

The officer said that the exchange of fire continued for some time.

Soon after the incident, additional reinforcements of army and SOG reached the spot and launched a search operation to trace out the militants in the area, he said.

A police spokesman also confirmed some exchange of gunfire at Ganapora.

SP Handwara, Ashish Mishra, however, said that the forces have launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area.

The officer said that so far no contact has been established with the militants and the searches are underway. (GNS)

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