A gunbattle broke out between militants and security forces in north Kashmir's Ganderbal area on Saturday morning. Defence ministry spokesperson Lt Col JS Brar said that a search operation was launched by the troops of the army's 24 Rashitriya Rifles (RR) and the police's Special Operation Group (SOG) at Chatergul village in Ganderbal district at 5am.

The group of militants, who the security forces believe could be more than two, is holed up in houses in residential area of the village. The security forces came under heavy fire from the militants. "One militant has been killed so far," said Brar.

The operation was on till late Saturday evening with reports of exchange of gunfire.