In a terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir early today, some militants opened fire at a jeep, killing one of its occupants and injuring three others in Kathua district near Dyala Chak area on Jammu-Patahnkote National Highway. The militants wearing army uniform hijacked the vehicle and drove away with the driver.

They were later intercepted near an Army camp in Kalibari-Janglote belt of Kathua district, triggering a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides. An army jawan has been injured in the encounter. The encounter was going on when reports last came in. A massive search operation has been launched in the forest area where the militants are said to be hidden.

The injured have been shifted to Government Medical College Hospital and a high alert has been sounded by the security agencies in the area. Security has also been stepped up at Army camps and important places in Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts.

The attack comes two days after BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi had addressed a rally in nearby Hiranagar town in the same area.

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh has briefed Defence Minister A K Antony on the ongoing encounter in Jammu.