200 quizzed, 12 detained in Poonch terror attack case: J&K DGP

The terror attack was carried out using steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs, as per DGP Dilbag Singh.

| Updated: 28 April, 2023 5:02 pm IST

Five army jawans were killed in an ambush in Poonch on April 20.

Srinagar: As many as 200 people have been questioned and 12 detained during the course of investigation into the terrorist attack that killed five Army men in Poonch last week.

The attack was carried out using steel-coated armour-piercing bullets and IEDs, said Jammu and Kashmir director general of police (DGP) Dilbag Singh.

Initial investigations suggest that the terrorists responsible may have used natural hideouts, he said, adding that nine to twelve foreign terrorists may be active in the Rajouri-Poonch area.

Singh stated that the attack could not have been carried out without the active support of locals, and that the terrorists were provided with shelter and transport.

The terrorists conducted a thorough reconnaissance of the area and targeted the army vehicle when it was moving slowly due to a blind turn, despite the rain. The attackers were aware of the vehicle’s speed and location, he said.

The DGP added that the attackers may have used natural hideouts to plan the attack and that an intensive search operation is underway to locate them. The suspects may be divided into two groups, and their number is believed to be between 9 and 12.

Regarding local support, Nisar Ahmed, a resident of Gursai village, was already on the police’s suspect list and has been an active OGW (over ground worker) of terrorists since 1990.

Nisar and his family members were found to have provided logistical and other support to the terrorists who attacked a military truck carrying fruits and vegetables, in Bhata Durian area on April 20.

Weapons, grenades, and cash were dropped by drone and collected by Nisar and his family members. The officer stated that they are identifying the location where the drone dropped the weapons and cash.

He further said that with the arrest of Nisar, the investigation has received vital leads, and the investigation is moving in the right direction.