Poonch attack: Forces detain 15 locals over suspicion of helping terrorists in Dera Ki Gali

Security forces have detained at least 15 locals in the Surankote area of Poonch over suspicion of helping the terrorists who carried out a deadly attack on the Indian Army on December 21. A group of two-three terrorists carried out an attack on the Indian Army Rashtriya Rifles unit last Thursday. Four bravehearts of the Indian Army were killed in action while three others were injured.

A source in Intelligence has confirmed to Republic that in the last six days, there have been multiple cordons and raids at a few locations. At least 15 locals have been detained and are being questioned jointly. He also maintained that questioning is being done jointly and not by any single force after the incident.

Suspects who have been detained are said to be from the area which is 5 km from the attack site. Intelligence agencies suspect that the individuals have helped terrorists directly or indirectly. 

The official further added that an attack of this magnitude cannot be carried out without local support or the terrorists being familiar with the area for long. So, in both cases, a local help angle has emerged and that's why people have been detained for questioning.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police is also in the process of analysing the 'dump call' data of the area before and after the attack to match the pattern. This way, some vital leads can be generated that can help the security forces to get a major breakthrough in the case. 

The terrorists have adopted the same pattern they have been using since the beginning of the year. Their target was once again the elite force of the Indian Army that was involved in counter-terror operations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Jammu on December 27

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will be visiting Jammu on a one-day visit on December 27. The visit comes in the backdrop of a terror attack that claimed the lives of four Army jawans in Dera Ki Gali area of Poonch. 

Rajnath Singh will review security and interact with local commanders of the Army.

The Defence Minister will be reaching Jammu early morning on Wednesday. He will be heading to 16 Corps of Indian Army in Nagrota wherein he will interact with senior commanders. 

Later, Singh will be visiting Rajouri and Poonch to meet soldiers who are part of operations in the twin districts of Jammu region. The Raksha Mantri will return to Jammu in the afternoon to hold a security review meeting at Raj Bhawan in Jammu.