Saturday, December 3 2005 09:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: In a major breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police yesterday (Dec 02, 2005) arrested three persons in connection with the gunning down of state Education Minister Ghulam Nabi Lone here last October.

"We have got three of the four key accused in the case," Inspector General of Police K Rajendra Kumar told sources here.

He said six people, including two suicide attackers, were involved in the killing of the Minister on October 18.

Of the two suicide attackers, one was killed on the day of the attack. The other, who had fled after killing Lone, was later shot dead in Baramulla district, the IGP said.

The three arrested persons had provided all logistic support and arranged accommodation, vehicles and other necessities for the attackers.

Kumar said the three had confessed their involvement in the murder.

The accused had planned more high-profile attacks in the near future, police sources said adding they had hired a house just a few metres from the residence of Srinagar SSP Munir Khan.

Piercing through high-security Tulsibagh area, militants shot dead Lone and three others, including two securitymen, on October 18.