Anantnag, Mar 11: An unidentified militant was killed on Thursday by security forces in an encounter that ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in this south Kashmir district on Wednesday evening, official sources said.

The operation was still going on when the reports last came in, they said mobile internet remained suspended since last evening as a precautionary measure to prevent rumours.

Official sources said today that on a tip-off about the presence of militants, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), CRPF and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint CASO at village Kandipora Bijbehara, Anantnag, Wednesday evening.

However, when the security forces were moving towards a particular area in the village, militants hiding there opened fire with automatic weapons, they said adding security forces also retaliated ensuing in an encounter, he said.

Later, security forces suspended operation due to darkness to avoid any civilian killings, they said adding additional security forces were deployed in the area to foil any militant attempt to escape. Security forces also installed lights in the area to keep a close vigil.

However, with the first light, this morning security forces again resumed search operation in the area. They came under fire again, they said adding security forces also retaliated. An unidentified militant was killed, they said adding the operation was going on when the reports last came in.

Meanwhile, mobile internet has been suspended in Anantnag as a precautionary measure to prevent any rumours.(UNI)