India, July 6 -- A massive search operation by security forces in south Kashmir's Shopian district entered its second day on Sunday, with two suspected militants believed to be hiding in dense orchards in the Meemandar area.

The operation, involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), resumed after an overnight pause. Security forces have strengthened the cordon around the area where the suspected militants were first detected through surveillance cameras on Friday.

Officials said the gunfight began after the militants allegedly opened fire on an Army team that was moving towards the area, prompting the troops to retaliate.

Additional Army personnel have been deployed to block possible escape...