AMN /
India today blamed Pakistan for today’s terrorist attack at an Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 17 soldiers.
In a series of tweets, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, there are definite and conclusive indications that the perpetrators were highly trained, heavily armed and specially equipped. He said, Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such.
The Minister said, he is deeply disappointed with Islamabad’s continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups. He said, those behind this terror incident would be brought to justice.
Earlier, Mr Singh held a high level meeting in New Delhi and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home and Defence Secretaries and top Army, Paramilitary officials attended the meeting.
The Home Minister also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and was apprised of the overall situation.
The terrorists had launched the attack on Rear Administrative Base Camp of Infantry Battalion in Uri town of Baramulla district at around 4 this morning triggering a fierce encounter.
Explosions and gunfire erupted at the camp which is located barely few metres away from the Army’s Brigade Headquarters. At least 20 Army personnel were also injured in the attack – some of them critically. The combing operations are still on.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, calling it cowardly. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi assured the nation that those behind the attack will be punished.
Saluting the martyrs, he offered his condolences to the bereaved families and said their service to the nation will always be remembered.
The Prime Minister said, he spoke to Mr Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the situation. He said, the Defence Minister will visit Jammu and Kashmir to take stock of the situation.
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag has reached Kashmir to review the situation. The Home Ministry has issued an alert for all airports across the country following the attack.
The attack comes nearly two years after terrorists had carried out a similar attack at Mohra in the same area. Ten security personnel were killed in the attack that took place on 5th of December, 2014.