Srinagar/UNI: A search operation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district after militants and forces exchanged fire in the early hours on Saturday, officials said.

They said a brief encounter broke out at Mitrigam area of Pulwama during an anti-militancy operation which was launched by joint forces after an input about the presence of militants.

"It seems the terrorists fled in the initial stages of the operation. The searches in the area are going on and there has been no fresh contact," a security official said.

"The operation has not been called off as yet."

This year, security forces have shot dead five militants in three gunfights this year.