Shopian (Jammu and Kashmir): A gunfight broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Zeipora area of south Kashmir's Shopian on Monday.
Officials said a joint team of police, army and the CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in Shopian.
As the security forces zeroed in on the spot where terrorists were hiding they came under a heavy volume of fire that triggered the encounter.
"Encounter has started at Zeipora of Shopian. Police and security forces are on the job," police said.
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Several encounters between the security forces and terrorists have been reported in April. As per the police data, a total of 41 killings were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in 20 militancy-related incidents in the first three months of this year. Those who lost their lives include 30 militants, nine security personnel and two civilians. The highest number of killings were reported in March.
Compared to the previous three years, 2021 has seen a slight decrease but not significant.
During the first three months of 2018, 73 people had lost their lives while 129 people were killed in 2019 during the same period. Last year, 53 lives were lost in the first three months.
- With inputs from PTI
