Encounter under way between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Shopian

NEW DELHI: Security forces on Tuesday engaged in a gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir 's Shopian district.

According to officials, forces launched a cordon and search operation Shukroo Keller area after specific input about the presence of terrorists. The search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired upon the forces.

The exchange of fire is going on. So far there are no reports of any casualties on either side, officials added.

This comes days after the government declared that any future "act of terror" on its soil will be treated as an "act of war" and will be responded to accordingly.

A top government official said, “Any future act of terror in India will be considered an act of war against the country and will be responded to accordingly.” The statement marks a formal shift in India’s rules of engagement, drawing a clear red line for Pakistan-based terror groups.

India and Pakistan agreed to immediate ceasefire after following a sharp escalation in cross-border tensions triggered by the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

However, just a few hours after the ceasefire declaration, violation was witnessed by Pakistan in Srinagar and other border areas.

On May 7, armed forces carried out precision strikes on terrorist hotspots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'.

Pakistan responded with drone attacks targeting areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These attacks were intercepted by Indian defence systems but raised fears of a broader conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.