Shopian, Jun 25: After initial exchange of fire, no fresh contact has been established with militants in Shirmal area in Zainapora hamlet of South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday, officials said.

An official said  that a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in orchards in between Shirmal and Reshipora in Zainapora area.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight, he said.

Meanwhile, officials saidthat after initial exchange of fire no fresh contact has been established with the hiding militants.

More reinforcement has been rushed to the spot, lights have been installed and cordon layers have been tightened in the whole area and search operation is underway in the area, they said.kno