POONCH TERROR ATTACK | Massive CASO continues; 6 detained for questioning

Rajouri, May 5: Day after terrorists ambushed a convoy of Indian Air Force (IAF) vehicles, six persons were detained while massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) continued in Danna Top, Shahstar, Sheindra and Sanai Top areas of Poonch district on Sunday.

Senior officers of police and army, including GOC 16 Corps and ADGP Jammu, also visited the site and held security review besides supervising the operation.

Meanwhile, officials said that the police detained six local persons for questioning in this case.

A group of terrorists, believed to be two to three in number, had ambushed an IAF convoy at Shaistar Sanai in Surankote sub division of Poonch district on Saturday evening.

Five IAF personnel had sustained injuries in the attack. Later, one of the injured, identified as Corporal Vikky Pahade, succumbed to his critical injuries.

“Day after ambush, massive manhunt to track the terrorists continued in the area that comprises tough terrain and dense woods, spread over at least twenty-five kilometres. Heavy deployment of operational teams of army and police has been made in the area. Teams are well-equipped with sniffers, drones and other equipment. Extensive searches are going on,” officials said.

“Alongside it, police have also detained half a dozen people from the area for questioning. They are being questioned in local police unit,” they said.

“These six locals are presently under detention. Questioning is going on,” officials added.

Meanwhile, senior officers of army and police including General Officer Commanding (GOC) 16 Corps (White Knight Corps) Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva; Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu zone, Anand Jain; IGP CRPF; DIG Police Rajouri-Poonch range and GoC Romeo Force visited the area and took stock of the situation.

“The senior officers visited the attack site besides reviewing overall security situation,” the officials said.

They informed that a joint security review meeting was also conducted where operational aspects of the operation launched after this attack were discussed.

Earlier during the day, Indian Air Force (IAF) paid tributes to its soldier killed in terror attack and shared condolences to the bereaved family.

“The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari & all personnel of Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief,” IAF posted on ‘X.’