Search operation, which was put on a halt for night has resumed in vast forest area of Gadool in Kokernag village of Anantnag district and the militants have been encircled, police said Thursday.

An official said that search operation has resumed on Thursday morning and efforts are on to trace the hiding militants.

He said drones and helicopters have been put to service to find hiding terrorists.

Police said that forces have encircled two LeT Terrorists including Uzair Khan, who on Wednesday killed a senior police official, an army colonel and a major.

“In solemn tribute to the unwavering valor of Col Manpreet Singh,Major Ashish Dhonak &DSP Humayun Bhat, who laid down their lives leading from the front during this ongoing operation. Our forces persist with unwavering resolve as they encircle 2 LET terrorists including Uzair Khan.” Police said in a post on ‘X’

Notably, on Wednesday Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was the commanding officer of 19 RR, Major Aashish Dhonchak and DySP Humayun Bhat, the son of former DIG Kashnir Ghulam Muhammad Bhat were killed during initial exchange of fire.