Srinagar, Oct 21 (IANS): A gunfight between the security forces and the separatist guerrillas started in north Kashmir's Sopore town Sunday morning, police said.

Guerrillas had fired upon the security forces Saturday evening in Sopore town, about 55 km from here in Baramulla district, said a senior police officer.

"One CRPF trooper had sustained injuries in yesterday's (Saturday) firing by the militants in Shallapora area of Sopore town. The area was immediately sealed and searches were mounted to trace the militants," said the police officer.

"An exchange of gunfire between the security forces and the militants has started in the area Sunday morning", the officer said.

Troops of 22 counter insurgency Rashtriya Rifles (RR), state police and the central reserve police force (CRPF) are carrying out the operation against the guerrillas.

Apple rich north Sopore town, the hometown of senior hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani, has traditionally been the bastion of separatist sentiment in the Kashmir Valley.