The latest gunbattle is the third attack on security forces by militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district since Monday night.

Two soldiers were injured in a fresh firefight between security forces and militants early on Thursday in a forested area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. While the Indian Army confirmed the fresh encounter in Upper Desa Bhatta forests in Kashtigarh area saying an operation was in progress, sources said two soldiers were injured and they have been referred to the Doda Government Medical College Hospital.

The fresh exchange of fire between the two sides started after militants attacked a party of security forces camping near a government school building in the area around midnight. The gunfight stopped around 4 am after terrorists fled from the spot.

The security forces have launched massive combing and search operations in Desa forests after they were attacked on Monday in which four soldiers, including an Army captain, were killed. As the searches continue, security forces stay at safer locations after sunset and resume operation in the morning.

The militants who are believed to have escaped after killing the four Indian Army personnel on Monday night, had a brief exchange of fire with security forces and then with members of Melan Village Defence Group on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The security forces assisted by helicopter and drone surveillance have launched massive searches in these forests. Para commandos have also been dropped at different places in the area to locate the absconding militants.