JK: Fierce clash b/w holed up militants-forces

Srinagar, July 4: A fierce encounter was going on between two tothree militants holed up inside a house and security forces at Saloorain Ganderbal district of central Kashmir today.

Official sources said troops of five Rashtriya Rifles (RR) andSpecial Operation Group (SOG) Jammu and Kashmir police launched a jointoperation at village Pathipora-Saloora, about half a km away from themain Srinagar-Baltal-Amarnath route this morning.

They said as the security forces were sealing the area, militantsentered the house of Ghulam Nabi Bhat. However, security forcesimmediately tightened the cordon around the house and repeatedly askedmilitants to surrender.

A police spokesman said police and security forces rescued about250 residents, including women and children, from the area to saferplaces.

Sharp shooters later took position in the nearby houses.

However, when a security forces party tried to storm the house,the militants-- opened fire. The fire was returned and a fierceencounter went on, according to reports.

Further details are awaited, police spokesman said.

UNI