Shopian encounter: Operation called off after militants manage to flee

Srinagar: The overnight anti-militancy operation in south Kashmir's Shopian district was called off on Saturday as the militants managed to escape from the security forces' cordon.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chillipora village of the district last night following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said a gunfight broke out between the two sides as the security forces were closing on the militants' positions.

The exchange of fire between the two sides ended late last night but the security forces did not lift the cordon with the aim of stopping the militants from fleeing.

"House to house searches were launched at day break today but no arrests were made. The militants had apparently managed to escape last night itself," the official said.

There were no casualties reported in the encounter. 

Meanwhile, six CRPF personnel sustained injuries as their mobile bunker vehicle turned turtle while chasing a group of "miscreants" at Heff area of the district, the official said.

He said several persons had assembled by the roadside at Heff and were holding protests against the operation of the security forces in the nearby area.

The CRPF vehicle skid off the road and turned turtle, resulting in injuries to six jawans, he said, adding that the injured personnel were admitted to a local hospital.