Search operation enters 6th day; Army commander Lt Gen Dwivedi takes stock of situation
Jammu: As a first substantial breakthrough in the Poonch ambush probe, security forces zeroed-in on a man, who allegedly provided ‘shelter’ and ‘support’ to the terrorists for at-least two months before executing April 20 attack, that claimed the lives of five soldiers last week, local news agency KNO reported on Wednesday.
Sources said: “Following leads and cross checking the statements of 50 detainees in the case, forces zeroed-in on one Nasir, a local, for his involvement in sheltering and supporting the terrorists for more than two months, before executing the ambush in Tota Gali, Bhata Dhurian in Bhimbir Gali Secto, Mender Poonch.”
Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi visited the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and took stock of the ongoing operation, the officials said, adding he asked the troops to be relentless in their pursuit. This was Army commander’s second visit in the region in less than a week.
A massive search and cordon operation was launched after the attack and it has now spread to 12 areas across the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
Sources said : “After sustained questioning and cross checking the statements a local, Nasir confessed his involvement and told investigators that he sheltered the terrorists at his house for more than two months and “provided them logistic and material support.”
“Some of the detainees were let off after questioning,” they said.
Special Forces are also engaged in the search operation, the sources said, adding the agencies are backed by drones, sniffer dogs and metal detectors.
A large spread of forest areas, deep gorges, natural caves and dense growths have been searched and the operation is now covering other places, they said. (KNO)
