Gunfight broke out between militants and government forces after the latter launched a cordon and search operation in Hakripora village of Pulwama district in south Kashmir.
Lashkar-e-Toiba Divisional Commander Abu Dujana has reportedly been trapped inside a house in the village. However, officials have not confirmed it yet.
An official said that operation was launched in the village around 4 am after inputs about the presence of militants in Hakripora village.
He said some gunshots were heard as the cordon was being laid. “As the forces approached towards the suspected spot, the militants hiding inside opened fire, triggering an encounter,” he said.
Meanwhile, Internet services have been suspended across the district “as a precautionary measure” to prevent law and order problems, said the official.
More details are awaited.