Forces, militants exchange gunfire at Pathanateer

Rajouri, Sept 15: Two days after an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Draba Chamrer area of Poonch district, another encounter broke out at Pathanateer village of Mendhar sub division.

Official sources said that in the late evening hours on Saturday, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched by security forces in Pathanateer and nearby villages in Mendhar over reports of suspicious movement.

In the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, they said, terrorists hiding in forest fired at search team of army and police which was retaliated and it led to exchange of fire.

The official sources further said that heavy reinforcement of army and police was rushed to the area and anti militancy operation was intensified on Sunday morning with fresh exchange of gunfire took place in the morning hours after which intermediate firing was heard from the area till afternoon hours.

Locals said that the firing is stopped since Sunday late afternoon. Officials on the other hand said that this operation is continue and forces have cordoned atleast two kilometres area.