Srinagar: A militant, reportedly foreigner, was on Friday killed by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the central Kashmir district of Budgam, a police spokesman said.

Mobile internet service in Budgam has been suspended as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.

The spokesman said that on a credible input about the presence of militants at Kralpora Checkpora, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched jointly by the troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF in the wee hours.

When the  forces were moving towards particular area, the militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons, which was retaliated, and in the encounter, a militant was killed.

The body of the militant has been recovered, he said, adding incriminating material, including arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site of encounter. The identity and affiliation of the killed militant is being ascertained, he said.

People of the adjoining areas said there were loud explosion and heavy firing since 0300 hrs till 0500 hrs.

The spokesman said it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitised and cleared of all the explosive materials if any, he said.