Jammu, Jan. 17 -- Security forces have busted three terrorist hideouts in Kathua district, officials said.

The hideouts were busted as part of anti-terror operations in Billawar, during which two encounters took place with terrorists, who, however, managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

Acting on reliable intelligence regarding the movement of anti-national elements in the forest areas of Kamaad Nallah, Kalaban and Dhanu Parole in Billawar, joint teams of security forces launched a massive search operation to neutralise the terrorists, police officials said.

During the operation, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces, resulting in an exchange of fire that continued throughout the night, they said.

"Durin...