Srinagar: Government forces burst teargas shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse demonstrators trying to disrupt Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched against militants hiding in apple township of Sopore in Baramulla district.

Meanwhile, authorities suspended mobile internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in Sopore as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours. Authorities have already suspended train service in north Kashmir while educational institutions remained closed.

People, mostly hit the streets in adjacent areas near the site where encounter was going on between security forces and militants which ensued during CASO this morning. However, when the demonstrators, pelting stones, tried to march towards the encounter site to disrupt the operation, security forces resorted to lathichrge and burst teargas shells to disperse them.

Clashes were going on when the reports last came in, sources said. (UNI)