Uri attack perpetrators will not be spared: PM Modi

He said that this is not just a loss to the families of the martyred soldiers, but a loss to the entire nation

Asserting that the Uri terror attack was a loss to the entire nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated that the perpetrators would not be spared and said that they would be given a befitting reply by the Indian armed forces.

Addressing the nation in the 24th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, Prime Minister Modi appealed to the people to channelise their anguish constructively and place their hopes upon the Indian Army.

"I pay my tribute to the soldiers, who lost their lives in the Uri terror attack; the culprits will be punished for sure. This is not just a loss to the families of the martyred soldiers, but a loss to the entire nation. We have full faith in our Army. The perpetrators will definitely be punished," he said.

The Prime Minister also asked the nation to remember the "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" slogan advocated by former president Lal Bahadur Shastri post the 1965 war with Pakistan.

Asserting that the Kashmiris have started to recognise the elements opposing the country, Prime Minister Modi assured that the Centre would take necessary steps to provide security to them.

"Today I want to speak to the people of Kashmir. They have started to recognise elements, who oppose our country. They want their life to get back on track. Studies, trade should normalise. The process has started. The security of the people of Kashmir is the responsibility of the administration," he said.

Last Sunday, a militant attack on an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of eighteen soldiers.

While 17 soldiers died on Sunday, the army confirmed that one more critically injured soldier succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, pushing the death toll to 18.

The armed militants lobbed grenades into their tents and barricades while soldiers were sleeping.

The ensuing fire led to large casualties.