Suspected militants opened fire at a Bharatiya Janata Party leader in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, wounding a police officer who was guarding him, ANI reported. The BJP leader, Anwar Khan, escaped unhurt. A gun fight between security officials and the militants is underway.

The incident took place in Balhama area, a police official said. Constable Bilal Ahmad was taken to hospital after being injured, and is said to be in a stable condition. He injured a leg, police said.

The gunmen tried to snatch the rifle from Ahmad and two other guards, who retaliated and foiled the attempt, GNS news agency reported. The gunmen then fled from the spot.

Security forces cordoned off the area after the incident.