(Repeating DR 17, correcting matter in first para)

Srinagar, Oct 4 (UNI) One person was killed in a heavy exchange of fire between militants and security forces after the ultras made an abortive bid to storm the heavily guarded Dashnami Akhara building, housing the holy Mace of Lord Shiva near here today.

Official sources said two militants hurled a hand grenade and opened indiscriminate firing on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) guards posted on the main gate of historic Dashnami Akhara.

However, CRPF personnel also returned the fire and the militants entered nearby hotel.

Body of one person could be seen near the entrance of the hotel building. However, it was not immediately known whether he was a militant or a civilian.

UNI correspondent present on the spot saw militants hurling hand grenades from the hotel and also opening fire on the security forces near the main gate of the Akhara building.

A senior police officer said that one or two militants could be inside the hotel from where the firing was going on.

Sharp shooters have taken position on all nearby buildings.

It was not immediately known if any civilian was inside the hotel.

Shopkeepers in the nearby shops were rescued by the security forces and taken to safer places.

Traffic on the busy Budshah Chowk, leading to civil secretariat, seat of the Jammu and Kashmir government, Legislature complex and other important offices was suspended and diverted to other routes.

Senior security forces and police officials were present on the spot.

This is the first such attack in the city during the holy month of Ramzan.

UNI BAS PK DB1211