Encounter breaks out in Jammu & Kashmir's Kulgam district

An encounter broke out between militants and the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district early on Sunday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sighanpora area in the south Kashmir district following inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired upon a search party of the forces, who retaliated, he said.

The exchange of fire is going on and further details were awaited, the official said.