Encounter rages in Shopian village, clashes erupt

Shopian, January 24 (KMW): Gunfight broke out between militants and government forces in Shopian district of southern Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.
An official said that a joint team of army and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Chaigund Dairoo village of Shopian after inputs about the presence of militants.
“As the cordon was being tightened, hiding militants opened fire on forces, triggering a gunfight,” he said.
The exchange of fire was on when this report was being filed.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between protesters and the government forces during the cordon-and-search-operation (CASO) in the village.
Reports said that youth took to streets and clashed with the forces after the latter launched a CASO in the village.
Several youth were reportedly injured during the clashes.