Srinagar, September 07:Government forces on Monday evening suspended an operation after brief exchange of fire with militants in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A joint team of Police, Army and CRPF had launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Kawoosa Khalisa area of the district amid inputs about the presence of the militants, official sources said.

As the joint team encircled the suspected spot, they said, the hiding militants fired upon them. The fire was retaliated by the joint team, triggering off an encounter, they said. The gunfight was also confirmed by the police on its official twitter handle.

“Encounter has started at Kawoosa area of Budgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” the police tweeted.

Official sources said that after initial firefight, there was lull which continued until this reported was filed.

“Perhaps there was a lone (militant) who managed to escape,” they said, adding, “The operation has not been called off but has been suspended due to darkness,” they added. (GNS)