Dogra Front Jammu protests against Pak, asks PM Modi to initiate action

Expressing grief over the loss of lives of 17 soldiers in the Uri terror attack, the Dogra Front Jammu workers staged a protest here today during which they raised slogans against Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaaz Sharif and the neighbouring nation for encouraging terror activities in India.

The protesters, who gathered in large numbers to vent their ire against Islamabad, also burnt Pakistani flags during the protest.

"It is clear that 18 people have died. There is sorrow everywhere and (some people) are making fool out of India. There is shutdown everywhere in Kashmir against India," Dogra Front president Ashok Gupta said.

"If the people want to go Pakistan then open the border gates and whoever wants to go let them go there. No Pakistani should be seen in Jammu and Kashmir be it Hurriyat. I want to make it clear that now it's time for Modi ji to show his 56-inch chest," he added.

The Indian Army has gunned down all four terrorists, who had attacked the Army Brigade's headquarters in Uri this morning. At least 17 soldiers have been killed in the gun battle at the base, which is around 100 km from state capital Srinagar.

Combing operations are currently underway to ensure no untoward element still persists in the Army perimeters.

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will visit Kashmir today in wake of the attack, while Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will visit Srinagar to take stock of the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 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.

The Home Minister also apprised Prime Minister Modi regarding the deliberations of the security review meeting held at his official residence this afternoon.

Singh has instructed Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials to closely monitor the situation in the valley.