The search operation launched after a brief shootout in Imam Sahab area of Shopian on Monday morning was called off after militants managed to escape from the area.
An official said that the militants and the forces exchanged brief fire in Sagran Imam Sahab area after the latter launched a cordon-and-search-operation around 3 AM.
He said the militants managed to give a slip to the forces because of darkness.
“The searches were intensified in the area. But no contact was established with the militants,” said the official, adding that the operation was called off later.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet service has been restored in the district. The service was suspended soon after the forces laid a siege to the area.
