Gunbattle breaks out in southern Valley’s Kulgam

SRINAGAR — An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, police said on Sunday.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sighanpur area of Kulgam district during the night after receiving specific input about the presence of militants, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened fire at a search party of the forces, who retaliated. Sources said that 2-3 militants are trapped in this gunfire.

The exchange of fire is going on and reinforcements have been sent to the area, the official said.

The security grid in south Kashmir is on high alert after suspected militants abducted a TA soldier in Kulgam district.