Srinagar/UNI: The anti-militancy operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district entered its second day on Friday as a fresh exchange of fire took place between militants and security forces this morning.

The encounter began on Thursday afternoon after security forces launched a joint operation in the Samno, Damhal Hanjipora area after receiving information about the presence of militants there.

“..During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately on searching parties, which retaliated effectively leading to an encounter,” officials said.

The joint forces maintained a tight cordon during the night in the area and intermittent exchange of fire took place between the two sides.

Officials said the operation to flush out militants, started at first light on Friday and there was a fresh exchange of fire this morning.

“The operation is still on,” officials said.

This is the second gun battle in Kashmir since Wednesday.

On Wednesday, two militants including top launching commander- Bashir Ahmed Malik -were killed in a gun battle close to the Line of Control in Uri sector of Baramulla district.

Army on Thursday said Malik was active for over three decades and was an important cog in the Pakistan-enabled cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“He was an important terrorist launch commander for terror organisations from Leepa in the north to the areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, opposite Rajouri in the south,” commanding officer of army’s 8 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Raghav said during a media briefing on Thursday.