Jammu, April 2 -- Security forces on Tuesday continued the search for three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Panjtirthi area in Kathua district, said officials, adding that there was a brief exchange of gunfire late on Monday.

"An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out late last night in Panjtirthi area of Ramkot, adjoining Jakhole village," the officials said.

However, terrorists managed escape under the cover of darkness, they added. The area was cordoned off after the gunfight.

Kathua senior superintendent of police (SSP) Shobhit Saxena said, "There has been no exchange of fire with them since Tuesday morning."

The officials said the three terrorists are believed to be from a group that had its first face-off with...