Militants attack SF patrol party in North Kashmir

Srinagar, May 18: An exchange of fire took place between militants and security forces in Hajin area of north Kashmir district of Bandipora early Friday morning, official sources said.

However, no injuries were reported.

They said a patrol party of security forces was attacked by militants at 0145 hrs at Hajin with automatic weapons. Security forces also retaliated and exchange of fire continued for some time, they said.

Later, security forces conducted Cordoned and Search Operation (CASO) in the area but the militants had managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

The exchange of fire took place a day after the Centre announced unilateral ceasefire and said that security forces will stop CASO during the holy month of Ramadan. However, the Army has warned that any attack would be retaliated and CASO will be launched against militants on specific inputs