Indian security authorities on Monday released sketches of two suspected militants and announced a cash reward for any information about the suspects believed to be behind the attack on an Indian Air Force (IAF) detachment in the Poonch area of the Jammu and Kashmir region last week.
While the militants managed to escape the location after firing a volley of bullets at an IAF vehicle, a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched on Saturday night.
The operation is currently ongoing, a senior police official told Sputnik India. A reward of US $25,000 was announced by the India Army for anyone providing information about the suspects.
According to officials, around 20 individuals have been detained by police for questioning. Top police and army officers also visited the site and took stock of the security arrangement.
It is worth mentioning that the attack comes as the general elections for the next government of India are underway.
Although the first two phases of elections in the Jammu region were peaceful, a massive deployment of troops is being carried out for the remaining three phases that are slated to take place in the Kashmir region.
Elections for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, where Saturday’s attack took place, will be held on 25 May.
Another senior police officer speaking to Sputnik India on the condition of anonymity said last week’s attack is part of a larger militant plan to cause unrest in Jammu province.
Even as the anti-India militancy that erupted in Kashmir during late 1980s continued for more than three decades, Jammu province has since seen far fewer incidents of violence.
However, the security establishment in Kashmir has been raising alarm over an uptick of violence and militant activities in Jammu in the last five years.
A total of 19 Indian soldiers and 30 militants were killed in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri in 2023 alone.
The deceased soldiers included members of elite special forces of the Indian Army.
“Situation is very much under control, but terror attacks have occurred in the region. The attacks are part of a larger plan to retain Kashmir in international headlines”, an officer said.