By IANS
Srinagar : Tension gripped the apple town of Sopore in north Jammu and Kashmir Thursday afternoon as militants hiding inside a hotel exchanged gunfire with surrounding paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers Thursday afternoon.
According to police, the militants first fired indiscriminately at a CRPF party in Sopore town, 54 km from here in Baramulla district, resulting in serious injuries to a trooper.
“The militants then entered a hotel nearby and are firing at the troops from inside. We have surrounded the hotel. Our first priority is to evacuate civilians living in the area,” he said.
Senior CRPF and police officials have rushed to the area.
The injured CRPF trooper was evacuated to Srinagar for treatment, an official said.
High tension has gripped the town and authorities have rushed more reinforcements. Shopkeepers downed their shutters and the roads were deserted.