A cordon-and-search-operation (CASO) launched by government forces in several areas of Awantipora, Pulwama district, ended after 14 hours, with the forces claiming they busted a militant hideout.
The forces comprising Rashtriya Rifles of army, police and CRPF cordoned off Badarwan, Chakoora, Babgam, Nawnagri, Wasoora, Dogripora, Wakherwan and Douhwat villages of Awantipora at around 10pm on Tuesday.
A police official said that CASO was launched after they received inputs about the presence of militants in these areas.
Choppers were pressed into service to track down the militants while sniffer dogs were also used during the operation.
Reinforcements were rushed and cordon intensified on Wednesday morning after a hideout was busted in Badarwan.
Before blasting it off, the forces claimed they recovered blankets and eatables from the hideout.
The area is close to Beighpora, which is the native village of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo.
“Primarily it seems that Hizb top commander Riyaz Naikoo was using this hideout. We are looking for more hideouts in the adjoining areas,” said an official.
The operation was called off at around 1pm on Wednesday, he added.
Soon after the operation was launched, authorities suspended internet service in Awantipora and Pulwama. The service was later restored when the operation was called off.