CASO called off after brief encounter in south Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 9 : Cordon And Search Operation (CASO), launched by security forces in south Kashmir district of Kulgam, was called off in the wee hours of Saturday after holed up militants reportedly escaped under the cover of darkness following brief firing besides protests by locals.

Official sources said that the operation was called off after no fresh contact was established with the militants during the massive searches in village Churith Devsar Qazigund in Kulgam district at 0100 hrs.

The CASO was launched at 1800 hrs Friday evening following a tip off about the presence of two to three militants in the area. There was also brief firing when the security forces were sealing exit points, sources said.