All retaliatory options short of war must be explored: Amarinder Singh

He also demanded an inquiry into 'lapses' that led to the attack on the Army base in Uri in which 18 soldiers were killed

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh on Monday suggested a strong two-pronged retaliatory strategy against Pakistan and extremist separatist groups in Kashmir for "permanent peace" and preventing terror strikes.

"All retaliatory options short of war must be explored and executed," he said, adding the issue is to maintain the morale of the Army.

"This is absolutely unacceptable," Amarinder said suggesting India should explore the option of preemptive strikes like those carried out by Israel.

Amarinder attributed the "weak and soft policy" adopted by the government toward the Kashmiri separatists for the rise of such incidents.

"Until you break the back of the militancy in Kashmir, those aiding and guiding it will not come to the negotiating table," he said, calling to end the appeasement policy.

Amarinder demanded an inquiry into "lapses" that led to the attack on the Army base in Uri in which 18 soldiers were killed.