Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday pointed to the involvement of militants in the deaths of three civilians in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district in Jammu. The deaths have triggered protests and a shut down in Billawar. Union home secretary Govind Mohan has arrived in Jammu to review the security situation in the region.

The victims, identified as Darshan Singh (40), Yogesh Singh (32) and Varun Singh (15), were found in Ishu canal in the upper reaches of Malhar area of Billawar, with the help of drones and later transported to the hospital for medico-legal formalities. The trio had gone missing earlier this week, when they were on their way to attend a marriage ceremony. They were part of the marriage procession which was scheduled to go from Dehuta village to Lohai Malhar.

"The brutal killing of three youths by terrorists in Bani area of Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern. There appears to be a deep conspiracy behind spoiling the atmosphere in this peaceful area," the Union minister wrote on X.