Three LeT members killed in Kashmir

NEW DELHI, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Three members of the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Toiba suspected of plotting attacks were killed during a gun battle with local police in Kashmir, officials say.

Local police said they obtained information suggesting at least two Pakistani LeT members entered southern Kashmir as part of a plot to carry out a suicide operation Monday, the Times of India reports.

Internal security forces said they began following three LeT members during the weekend, launching counter-terrorism operations against the militants Monday.

Rebels tied to LeT seized several high-profile buildings in Mumbai in November 2008, killing at least 188 people.

Indian intelligence officials have said they have "very specific" information suggesting a LeT attack was planned to coincide with assembly elections scheduled for Oct. 13.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said recently that he had "credible information" to suggest that LeT militants were preparing for fresh attacks in India, pointing to a growing number of insurgents trying to cross the volatile border with Pakistan.

A female civilian was also killed in the Monday attacks, and area police said they were preparing for a spike in militant activity in the region.