An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Saturday during an anti-terror operation, officials said.
The exchange of fire began after security personnel launched a massive cordon and search operation in the area following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists. Security forces have cordoned off multiple locations, including Chanapora, Saidpora, Saidapora Bala, Amshipora and adjoining areas, and launched intensive searches.
The operation was initiated earlier in the day based on specific inputs regarding suspicious movement in the district. As the search operation progressed, terrorists opened fire on the security personnel, triggering an encounter.
Additional security forces have been deployed to the area, and the operation is currently underway. Officials have not yet disclosed the number of terrorists believed to be trapped or reported any casualties.
Further details are awaited as the operation continues.
Heightened security for Amarnath yatra
The third batch of 4,812 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Saturday to take part in the annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said.
The batch, which included 966 women, 244 sadhus and 157 sadhvis, left in two escorted convoys comprising 126 vehicles between 3 am and 3:30 am amid tight security arrangements.
Of the total pilgrims, 2,771, including 542 women and six children, were headed to the Pahalgam base camp, while the remaining pilgrims, including 424 women and five children, opted for the shorter Baltal route.
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra began on Friday from the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. More than 12,000 devotees offered prayers at the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine on the opening day of the pilgrimage.
With the departure of the latest convoy, a total of 13,499 pilgrims have left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the annual pilgrimage since Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch on July 2.
The 57-day pilgrimage commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 28. Pilgrims can undertake the pilgrimage via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district or opt for the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
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