Lashkar-e-Taiba guns down 3 civilians in Kashmir's Baramulla, probe ordered

Earlier today, three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists and two security force personnel were killed in a fierce encounter in Kashmir's Pulwama

Suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants tonight shot dead three civilians in the Old Town of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir today, police said. The militants opened fire at the trio around 8.30 pm from a very close range in Iqbal Market at the Old Town, leaving them dead on the spot, the police added.

The deceased were identified as Mohammad Asghar, Asif Sheikh and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Kakkar Hamam in Baramulla, the police official said, according to news agency PTI.

Director General of Police S P Vaid confirmed the killings in the attack and said senior police officials have rushed to the spot in north Kashmir. "Senior police and other security force officers have reached the spot. Further details are awaited," a police officer said, reported IANS.

Preliminary police investigation revealed complicity of the Pakistan-based LeT terror group.
 

One Pakistan-based and two other local militants of Old Town, Baramulla are the principal suspects in this case and wanted by the law, the police official said.

The police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter, he added.

Earlier today, three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists and two security force personnel were killed in a fierce encounter in a forest area in the Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Based on intelligence developed by police about the presence of terrorists, security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in the Laam forest of Tral area in Pulwama district, a police official said. A gun battle broke out when the militants opened fire at the security personnel, he added.

While the individual identity of the slain militants is being ascertained, the official said at least two of them were believed to be foreigners.