Militants kill three civilians in Baramulla, say police

Unknown gunmen killed three civilians by firing from a close range in north Kashmir's Baramulla on Monday evening, according to the Jammu and Kashmir police.

A Srinagar-based police spokesman said the three civilians were killed by unidentified militants.

The deceased victims were identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Haseeb Ahmad Khan and Mohammad Asgar, all residents of Baramulla's Kakar Hamam.

The incident took place after sunset. An unknown number of gunmen fired upon the three civilians near Iqbal Market Khanpora. "The trio died on the spot. Their bodies were riddled with bullets," said the police.

The police, however, could not divulge any details on why these civilians were attacked by the gunmen. "We are investigating the matter," said a police official.

The area was cordoned off after the incident. However, no one was arrested when the report was filed.

"Preliminary investigation reveals the role of Lashkar-e-Taiba on the killings. One Pakistan-based and two other local militants of old town Baramulla are the principal suspects in this case and wanted by law. The police have started the investigation into the matter," said the police spokesman.