Srinagar: Two militants were holed up in a shopping complex in the Dal Gate area in Srinagar, less than 200 metres away from the venue of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's rally today (Nov 17, 2004).

Heavy exchange of fire between the militants and the security forces was on.

Official sources said one civilian was injured in the indiscriminate firing by the militants.

The entire area has been cordoned off and efforts were on to flush out the militants, they said.

Kashmir is NOT negotiable

A three-tier security blanket has been thrown around Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting later in the day.

Security forces have been deployed on the roof-tops of several buildings in the area and electronic surveillance is also in place on the routes to be taken by the Prime Minister.

The sources said the complex is located on the road leading to the Raj Bhavan and the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre wherein the Prime Minister's other engagements are scheduled during the day.