CASO called off as militants escape after brief encounter in Shopian

Srinagar, Sep 2: Security forces have called off a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) after militants managed to escape after a brief encounter in south Kashmir district of Shopian on Sunday, official sources said.
They said troops of Army, Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched joint search operation early this morning following a tip off about the presence of militants at village Imam Sahib in Shopian. Security forces sealed all exit point and launched a house-to-house search operation.
However, when security forces were moving towards a particular area, the militants hiding there, fired at them with automatic weapons. The security forces retaliated ensuing in an encounter.
But, the militants, reportedly two to three in numbers, managed to escape from the spot after a brief exchange of fire.
As the news of the operation spread in the area, people hit the streets and tried to disrupt the operation. Several people were injured during the clashes with security forces.
They said the forces have called off the operation.