According to the reports, the encounter broke out on Sunday afternoon after official received inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. The security forces cordoned the suspected place meanwhile the terrorists started firing at them. In the exchange of fire between the terrorists and security forces, an Army jawan has also got injured.
Early reports suggest that the area was soon cordoned and will remain to continue all night. News agency ANI quoted the Kashmir Zone Police saying that police and security forces are on the job and the operation is still underway.
Meanwhile, the identity and group affiliation of the militants are yet to be ascertained. The violent gun battle broke out day after two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commanders were shot dead in Bijbhera.
Earlier this week, the Jammu and Kashmir police arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba militant associate in Mandigam Kralgund area of North Kashmir's Handwara on Saturday. Police said that on the basis of specific information regarding the movement of militant associates, Handwara Police along with Army and CRPF launched a Cordon and search operation in the orchards of Village Mandigam Kralgund.
The apprehended person on preliminary questioning disclosed his identity as Akeel Ahmad Parray son of Wali Mohd resident of Mandigam Kralgund. During the personal search arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession, and during questioning he confessed that he was working with militant outfit LeT as an associate.