Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter breaks out in Tral; 2-3 terrorists believed to be hiding

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chaanketaar village of Tral this afternoon after following the inputs about the presence of two or three militants in the area.

Image: ANI

New Delhi: An encounter broke out between the security forces and militants in the town of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Tuesday after specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chaanketaar village of Tral this afternoon after following the inputs. Citing official sources, PTI reported that as the forces were undertaking searches in the area, the militants fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter. The gunfight was going on, it said, adding that further details were awaited Jammu Kashmir police tweeted to inform about the ongoing encounter.

Exchange of fire at Chaanketaar area of #Tral. Details will follow. @JmuKmrPolice

— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) October 30, 2018

As per sources, a joint team of 42RR, SOG and 180 BN CRPF had launched cordon and search operation in the Mandoora area on a specific information about the presence of some militants. As the joint team of forces intensified searches towards suspected spot the hiding militants fired upon forces triggering an encounter.

Jammu & Kashmir: Encounter underway between security forces & terrorists in Chaanketaar village of Pulwama's Tral. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/tN3mCuPb3S

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018

Two to three militants are believed to be trapped in the area. Late Monday night, terrorists launched a grenade attack at Indian Army’s 42 RR Camp on the security officials in Tral, Pulwama . Luckily, there have been no casualties.  The Army officials also did a retaliatory firing on the terrorists, but the latter were successful in escaping as it was dark. The late-night attack on the camp came after an attack on Border Security Force patrol vehicle by terrorists in the Pantha Chowk area on the outskirts of Srinagar city on Monday. (inputs from agencies)