Security forces, on Monday, released sketches of two suspected militants involved in the May 4 attack on Indian Air Force (IAF) vehicles, leading to the death of a soldier in Poonch district. Four other soldiers were injured in the attack.
The Army announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for any information that could help in the arrest of the two terrorists.
Five IAF soldiers were wounded in the attack. Corporal Vikky Pahade, one of the injured, succumbed to the injuries at the Army hospital in Udhampur.
Security forces have detained 20 individuals for questioning, while an extensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) is ongoing in Danna Top, Shahstar, Sheindra, and Sanai Top in Poonch.
Top officials from the police and the Army, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 16 Corps and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, visited the site to assess the security situation.
The attack, carried out by a group of two to three militants, occurred unexpectedly on the IAF convoy near Shaistar Sanai in the Surankote area on Saturday.
Officials said anyone providing credible information leading to the arrest of the militants will be rewarded, and their identity will be kept confidential. A lookout notice has been issued, urging people to share information on the following numbers: 9541051982, 8082294375.
The recent attack on the IAF convoy in Poonch was the second militant strike in the Pir Panjal region within two weeks. On April 22, militants shot and killed Mohammad Raziq near Shahdra Sharief area. Raziq's brother serves in the Territorial Army.
Rajouri and Poonch are part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, set for polls on May 25.
While no militant group has claimed responsibility for the IAF convoy attack, it is suspected the perpetrators are familiar with the area's terrain and may have been involved in previous assaults on security forces.
Similar tactics were observed in attacks last year, such as one on December 21 near Topa Pir and another on April 20 near Bhatta Durrian along NH-144A.
Last year, four militant attacks in Rajouri and Poonch claimed the lives of 19 soldiers. Security forces and police also neutralised around 30 militants in operations across both districts.
