Srinagar, Dec 03: The search operation launched after a brief shootout in Imam Sahab area of Shopian on Monday morning was called off after militants managed to escape from the area.
An official said that the government forces had launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Sagran Imam Sahab area around 3 AM.
“But the militants taking advantage of darkness managed to escape after a brief shootout with the forces,” he said.
“The searches were intensified in the area. But no contact was established with the militants,” said the official, adding that the operation was called off later.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet service, which was suspended soon after the forces laid a siege to the area, was also restored in the district later.
In a separate incident, militants travelling in a car exchanged fire with the army in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after the latter signalled the driver to stop.
A police official said that an army patrolling party signalled the driver to stop in Jandwal village of the district.
“However, militants travelling in the car opened fire on the soldiers who retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire,” said the official.
He said the militants managed to escape from the spot, adding that there was no report of casualties on either side.
“A search operation has been launched in the area to nab the militants,” he said.
