Security forces engaged militants in a gun battle in Rafiabad area of northern Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.<\/p>\n
Two militants are believed to be holed up in a house at Ladura in Rafiabad. Personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group of police exchanged fire with the militants.<\/p>\n
Reports suggested the gun battle erupted soon after police received information about the presence of two local militants, including Imitayaz Kandoo of Sopore, a close aide of Qayoom Najar, the disbanded Hizbul Mujahideen militant.<\/p>\n
Sources said foreign militants too might be present in the area.<\/p>\n
According to police, Kandoo was involved in some killings in Sopore and carries a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head.<\/p>\n
In recent weeks, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spike in militant violence that coincided with a downturn in ties between India and Pakistan. Planned talks <\/a>between the national security advisers of the two countries recently collapsed amidst diplomatic acrimony.<\/p>\n