An army spokesman said that the ``Seek and Strike Operation'' which was launched in view of the increased militancy in the area had yielded results. The army troops which were carrying out the search operation in Nerian forests were fired upon by the militants. A heavy exchange of fire took place between the militants and the troops. The militants, believed to be more than a dozen in number, however, managed to escape taking advantage of the thick jungle. After an intensive search, the army found six Pak-made rifles, two U S-made pistols, 10 magazines of AK-47 rifle, a sealed ammunition box, and a huge quantity of Pak-made ammunition, hand grenades, rocket fuses, and other equipment.

The army launched the search operation in viewof the frequent militant attacks and the subsequent migration of people from the area. The operations were being carried out to instill confidence amongst the people who have migrated from Surankote following the killing of four persons there.