May 18: On a credible input, a cordon & search operation was launched by police and security forces at Hathlangoo area of Sopore.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter.

In the ensuing encounter, 01 terrorist was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. The identity and affiliation of the killed terrorist is being ascertained. The search in the area continues.

Incriminating material including arms & ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

Pertinently, with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials.

People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any.