Arun Jaitley calls for isolating Pakistan internationally post Uri attack

Condemning the terror attack in Uri, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday assured that the people behind this attack will not be spared, adding that after this attack it becomes important to isolate Pakistan on international platform.

"Unity of our country has been challenged by our neighbouring country. After this incident it becomes necessary to isolate Pakistan internationally. We will diplomatically try to work in this direction also. This is a very challenging situation. Like Prime Minister said that the ones behind these attacks will not be spared," said Jaitley.

He said that from this attack it is clear that the terrorist in India are supported by people sitting across the border and added that today's incident indicates that we need to prepare to tackle such situations in future.

At least 17 soldiers lost their lives and 19 others injured post the terror strike on an army camp close to the headquarters of the 12th Brigade at Uri in Baramulla district.

All four terrorists have been killed in what has emerged as worse than the attack on the Pathankot air base earlier in January this year, in which seven army men were killed.

President Pranab Mukherjee, while condemning the terror attack, said that India will not be cowed down by such attacks and will thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their backers.

"Strongly condemn terrorist attack on Army base in #Uri; tributes to brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice," President Mukherjee said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and assured the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished.

"We salute all those martyred in Uri. Their service to the nation will always be remembered. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"Have spoken to HM & RM on the situation. RM will go to J&K himself to take stock of the situation," he said in a series of tweets.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and said those behind this terror incident would be brought to justice.

"Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such," he said in a series of tweets.

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh has reached Srinagar where he will meet the injured soldiers.

In a statement, the Army said that a group of heavily armed terrorists targeted the rear administrative base of a unit at Uri, and in the counter action, four terrorists have been eliminated and combing operations are in progress.