Srinagar, June 17 -- Three persons were injured in a mysterious explosion during demolition of a religious structure in Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday.

Officials said that locals were razing an old mosque to pave way for a new one in the Kasheri area of Handwara.

"There was an explosion during the demolition injuring three individuals," said station house officer Vilayat Hussain. The injured were shifted to a nearby health facility. "They are stable as they received minor injuries," he said.

The injured have been identified as Mudasir Ahmad Mir, Ghulam Ahmad Tantray and Owais Ahmad, all residents of Handwara.

Soon after the explosion, security forces rushed to the spot.

Police said that it would be premat...