Srinagar, Jun 7: Encounter ensued between militants and goverenement forces during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on Sunday in south Kashmir district of Shopian, official sources said.

Meanwhile, internet mobile service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been suspended to prevent rumours, they said.

They said troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR),Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint CASO at Reban in Shopian following a tip off about the presence of militants in the wee hours.

All exit points were sealed and house to house searches launched, they said adding when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants hiding there opened fire with weapons.

Troops also retaliated ensuing in an encounter, they added and said encounter was going on when the reports last came in.

Additional security forces have been deployed in the nearby areas to prevent any demonstration, they said adding residents living in nearby houses were shifted to safer places.