Srinagar: A fierce gun-battle broke out between government forces and militants in Sopore town of Baramulla district Tuesday morning.

Official sources said that a joint team of Army’s 22 Rashtriya Rifles, special operations group (SOG) and CRPF cordoned Nowpora village of Tujjer in Sopore last night and started a search operation.

“During searches militants fired upon the forces triggering a gunfight,” they said.

Meanwhile, authorities have suspended the Internet services and closed educational institutions in Sopore.

Sources said that the order was issued by the additional deputy commissioner Sopore as a precautionary measure.

The internet services were suspended by all private cellular companies and the state run BSNL amid fears that protests might break out as gunfight is underway in the town.

Meanwhile, searches are being conducted in Nowpora area of Tujjar following a brief exchange of gunfire late last night.