Pak must not indulge in cross-border terrorism: CPI (M) on Uri attack

Asserting that terrorism is not the solution to the current crisis in Kashmir, CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Sunday condemned the terror attack in Uri and said Pakistan must not indulge in this sort of cross-border terrorism.

"Terrorism is not the answer. We condemn this terrorist attack and we also want Pakistan to not indulge in this sort of cross-border terrorism. That should be taken up seriously. Terrorism is not a solution to the current crisis in Kashmir." Yechury told ANI.

The CPI (M) leader further said that all parties must come on board to end the turmoil in the Valley.

"It can only be solved through a political dialogue with all the stakeholders like the all-party delegation said. That is a process that the government - both Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government should start immediately," he added.

Expressing similar sentiments, another CPI (M) leader Mohammed Salim condemned the attacks and called for a proactive approach to tackle such situations in future.

"The death of 17 soldiers is a great matter of sadness and not just sadness, but also of anger. This attack has been on those who have been posted for our and the nation's security. No doubt, the four terrorists were killed, but such attacks and incidents in the recent times have not happened," Salim said.

"We should take this matter seriously and move ahead after the Pathankot lesson so that we can stop such attacks in a pre-emptive manner," 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. The entire town has been sealed and security on the vital roads connecting the Line of Control has been beefed up.

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.