Poonch terror attack: $24K reward declared for arrest of 2 Pakistani terrorists

In the aftermath of the Poonch terror attack, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have circulated sketches of two Pakistani terrorists and have announced a cashreward of $24,000 for any details thathelpin the arrest of the terrorists. These individuals are wanted for their alleged involvement in the attack, which claimed the life of an Indian Air Force personnel.

Corporal Vikky Pahade of the Indian Air Force (IAF) lost his life in an ambush, and four others sustained injuries when terrorists targeted an IAF convoy near Shahsitar in Poonch district on Saturday evening (May 4).

Corporal Pahade had resumed duty just 15 days ago after attending his sister's wedding. He was stationed in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hailing from Nonia Karbal area in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, Pahade enlisted in the Indian Air Force in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Rina, and son, Hardik.

The soldier's sister, Geeta Pahade, expressed her pride in her brother.

Also watch |India: One soldier killed, four injured in terror attack in Poonch, search operations underway

"I am proud of my brother. I got to know about this (brother's demise) a day before yesterday. I want justice for my brother," she told PTI.

On Sunday (May 5), the Indian Air Force expressed sorrow over the loss of Corporal Vikky Pahade.

"The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of (the) Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in (the) Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief," read a post on the official X handle of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The Indian Army is looking carefully in the Shahsitar area. They're using bulletproof vehicles and dogs to find the terrorists who attacked.

On Sunday, a number of high-ranking officers went to the site following the attack and supervised the search effort.

"Corps Commander of 16 Corps & ADG Jammu Zone Anand Jain accompanied by GOC Romeo Force, IGP CRPF & DIG RP Range today visited the area & monitored the ongoing massive search operation. Many suspects have been picked up for questioning," said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, as quoted by PTI.

Pahade was supposed to be home for his son's birthday on May 7. He was from Nonia-Karbal village in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district.

In a social media post, former MP CM Kamal Nath said: “I salute the martyrdom of Vicky Pahade, a resident of Nonia-Karbal, Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, and pay my tribute to the immortal martyr.”

(With inputs from agencies)