A spontaneous shutdown is being observed in twin districts of Anantnag and Kulgam against the killings of at least three militants in a gunfight with the government forces in Qazigund area.

All shops and other commercial establishments are closed in the area while traffic is mostly off the roads.

A police official said that the gunfight broke out in Chowgam area late last night after the forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area.

He said that three militants have so far been killed in the gunfight which was going on when last reports came. Two more militants are believed to be trapped in the area.

Meanwhile, at least five protesters were injured in clashes near the site of a gunfight.

A doctor at Emergency and Trauma Centre Qazigund told Greater Kashmir that five injured were brought to the facility. “Two of them had firearm injuries while three others were hit by pellets,” he said.

Reports said that clashes erupted soon after the gunfight broke out in Chowgam village.