Srinagar, August 3: Two terrorists were gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district. An Army personnel was also injured during the exchange of fire that broke out between terrorists and security forces in the early hours of Saturday. The identities of the slain terrorists and the injured soldier were not immediately known. The encounter broke out in Malmapanpora area of Sopore town.

According to reports, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Malmapanpora area after receiving inputs of the presence of terrorists. Holed-up terrorists opened fire at the search party, a gunfight in which two terrorists were killed. The area was cordoned off by the security forces and the operation was still underway. Pure Security Measure Being Mixed Up with Other Issues Leading to Panic in Kashmir: Governor.

This came a day after the state administration called off the Amarnath Yatra following intelligence inputs of a terror attack being planned by the militants. In an advisory, the state government on Friday said: "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the Valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible."

The order issued by the state home department also asked tourists to leave the Valley as early as possible. Following the orders, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)  advised airlines to spare additional capacity that can be deployed to Srinagar in case of an emergency. On their part, airlines such as Air India, IndiGo and Vistara have waived rescheduling, cancellation charges for all flights to and from Srinagar.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 03, 2019 09:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).