Shopian, Apr 03: After brief exchange of fire between security forces and militants at Choor ki Gali, a forest area in Sedow-Hirpora belt of Shopian in South Kashmir, militants have are believed to have escaped from the spot.

A senior police official said that after initial exchange of fire, contact with militants was lost and there was no fresh exchange of fire.

He said that militants seem to have managed to escape from the spot after initial exchange of fire, however, searches are underway in the area.

The official said that helicopter and para commandos were also pressed into the service but so far no fresh contact with the militants has been established.

“Given the dense forest area and no mobile connectivity, the operation in the area is very tough and as of now searches are underway,” he added.

Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them which was retaliated triggering an encounter.

“Encounter has started at Choor ki Gali Sedaw area of #Hurpora_Shopian. Police and Army are on the job. Further details shall follow,” Police in a tweet had said. kno