JAMMU, Aug. 10 -- An intense gunfight broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Sunday after security forces launched a search operation in the hilly Dool area based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.

Officials said that as the search parties closed in, the hiding militants believed to be two in number - opened fire, triggering the encounter.

According to sources, the trapped militants are suspected to be Riyaz and Mudasir of the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen outfit. Both are believed to be holed up inside a cave deep in the forest, which they have been using as a hideout. The cave is said to be well-stocked and strategically located to avoid aerial detection.

Police have already announced a re...