(Image source from: financialexpress.com)

The militants and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are engaged in an encounter in the Awanitpora region of Kashmir. An officer has said that a cordon and search operations have been launched by the Security forces in Khrew as the information has been gained about the presence of militants in the area.

The joint operation is said to be carried by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian army and the police of Jammu and Kashmir.

The encounter has started after the militants opened a fire and it has been reported that there was a brief exchange of fire which led to the bringing in of additional forces.

The encounter has killed three Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists which included a police deserter, in Shopian district, earlier in the day.

The Jammu and kashmir police has tweeted saying that the encounter has started at Awantipora.

A petrol bomb was hurled at the the security forces in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday evening, by the militants. However, there has been no damage caused due to the attack.

By Shrithika Kushangi