Jammu, Jan. 14 -- A fresh encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Billawar area of Kathua district on Tuesday, said officials.

"A terrorist, likely to be top Jaish commander Mavi, opened fire on security forces during a search operation in Najote area, around 6 km from Kamadh Nullah in Billawar," said a police officer.

On January 7, security forces had a brief gunfight with three armed terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Kamadh Nullah.

Since then the security forces have been scanning the jungles, creeks and hilly terrain to eliminate them.

"As security forces zeroed in on a suspected location in Najote on Tuesday afternoon, they were fired upon and a brief gunfight ensued," said the officer.

He informed that ...