On a credible input, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Hari-Pari area of Tral in Awantipora in the wee hours of today. The forces were conducting searches in the area when they were fired upon by terrorists, triggering an encounter.
The exchange of firing was going on when last reports came in, an official familiar with the event told news agency PTI.
The Jaish commander has been identified is believed to be the mastermind behind the prepations of Fidayeen squad for the terrorist outfit and killing of two members of Gujjar community from a forested area in Pulwama district, last year.
In a similar encounter, a militant was killed by the security forces in Khrew area of Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir earlier this week. An Army jawan and a special police officer (SPO) were killed in a gunbattle in the area of Tuesday.
"The Khrew operation resumed this (Wednesday) morning after being suspended on Tuesday night. So far, there is no confirmation of any militant being killed there... We have reports of presence of two militants there and the search is on," Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh told news agency PTI.
The DGP said operations against militants in the valley have been intensified. Counter-terrorist operations in the valley have been intensified, which has created a stir in south Kashmir. There have been half-a-dozen successful operations and they will continue in the same manner.
Asked about preparations for the Republic Day functions in the Kashmir Valley, Singh said all arrangements are in place. "We have done all preparations on the ground. Preparations have been done in all districts of the valley. All security arrangements have been put in place in Srinagar as well," he said.