Srinagar, May 18 (IANS): Security forces on Monday started a massive cordon and search operation in two villages in J&K's Pulwama district following intelligence reports about the presence of militants there, police said.

The operation is connected to the murder of police Head Constable, Muhammad Amin, who was killed by terrorists in Frisal village of Kulgam district on Saturday. Amin belonged to Sangarwani village of Pulwama district.

Police sources said a large number of security forces, including Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of police surrounded Murran and Ashmander villages in the morning for door-to-door searches.

"The operation was launched after intelligence reports said that militants are hiding in these areas. So far, there has been no contact (firing exchanges) with the militants. The operation is on," police sources said.

Security forces have since Saturday intensified operations to hunt down the murderers of the policeman.