Encounter starts in central Kashmir, troops zero in on hiding militants

A major encounter between security forces and militants is on in central Kashmir's Budgam district. Preliminary reports suggest that security forces are engaged with a group of hiding militants at Kaiser Mulla village in Chadoora, 40 km away from Srinagar.

A major encounter between security forces and militants is on in central Kashmir's Budgam district.

Preliminary reports suggest that security forces are engaged with a group of hiding militants at Kaiser Mulla village in Chadoora, 40 km away from Srinagar. The encounter sparked off on Monday afternoon when the army was carrying out a search operation there.

The area has been cordoned off. Reports suggest that three soldiers were injured in the ongoing exchange of gunfire. More than two militants are suspected to be hiding in the area.

The security forces have not confirmed the number of militants hiding in the area or the casualty inflicted on security forces in the gunbattle.