Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the killing of three persons in Kathua district.
"I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation, and all the necessary support to the families will be provided," Sinha said in a post on X.
"I assure the people that the perpetrators will be brought to book at the earliest. Justice will be ensured and accountability will be fixed," he said.
Varun Singh (15), his paternal uncle Yogesh Singh (32) and maternal uncle Darshan Singh (40) were found dead in Malhar area of the district on Saturday. The trio had gone missing on March 5.
Union minister Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur Parliamentary constituency that covers Kathua, pointed to the involvement of terrorists in the killings.
"The brutal killing of 3 youth by terrorists in Bani area of district 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," he wrote on X.
The three people went missing during a family function on Wednesday, prompting the police and the Army to launch a search operation. The area has witnessed several terror incidents, including an attack on an Army vehicle that left five soldiers dead last year.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who is visiting Jammu to review the security situation in the region, is likely to be briefed about the incident.
"We have discussed this matter with the officials concerned. The Union Home Secretary himself is reaching Jammu so that the situation can be assessed on the spot. I am confident that it will be ensured that such incidents do not happen again and the confidence of the people remains strong," Singh further said in his social media post.
A shutdown was observed in Billawar and adjoining areas on Sunday to protest the killing of the three civilians.