Srinagar, June 27: A civilian was killed in an explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gulmarg area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday, officials said.

Preliminary reports suggest the explosion was caused by an unexploded shell in a forward area close to the LoC. The victim died on the spot, officials said.
They said an unexploded shell went off near Asha Post in the Sumli Wali Dhok area near Gulmarg in the afternoon.
In the explosion five persons were injured, who were shifted to nearby hospital. One of the critically injured identified as Zabir Ahmad Bajad, son of Mohammad Rafiq Bajad, a resident of Galibal, Chandoosa in Baramulla district succumbed to the injuries in the hospital.
Police and other security agencies have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
“An inquest proceedings have been initiated under the relevant provisions of law. A forensic examination of the site has been conducted, while specialist teams have begun a thorough sanitisation of the area to rule out the presence of any other unexploded explosive material,” sources said.
Meanwhile, Baramulla police in a statement said it has come to the notice of Police Baramulla that false and unsubstantiated information is being circulated alleging that Army personnel have sustained injuries at Asha Post.
“It is hereby clarified that the said information is completely false, baseless and devoid of any factual basis. No Army personnel have sustained any injuries at Asha Post,” it said.
“The dissemination of inaccurate and unverified information has the potential to cause unnecessary concern, create confusion among the public and adversely affect public order. Citizens are advised to rely only on information issued through official channels,” police said.
It said Police Baramulla is taking cognizance of the matter and any person found responsible for creating or disseminating false information with the intention of misleading the public or disturbing peace shall be dealt with strictly under the relevant provisions of law.