R.K. Singh blames Pak Army, ISI for Uri attack

Dubbing the Uri encounter as state sponsored attack by Pakistan, former home secretary and BJP MP R.K. Singh on Sunday said the only way to handle these is to hit back.

Holding the Pakistan army and the ISI responsible, Singh said that it would be misleading if one terms it as a terror attack.

"Terrorist groups are just front. These attacks are planned by ISI and the Pakistani army. It's state-sponsored attack. Therefore, I don't see it as a terror attack. If you term it as terror attack, you're misleading yourself. A terror attack is carried out by different autonomous groups who are not under the control of the state," Singh told ANI.

"I believe the only way to handle these is to hit back. Some people start blaming their own personnel, some blame the fencing.that's not the point, that's wrong. The only way to stop a person from attacking you again and again is to hit back so that the next time he attacks you, he thinks twice because he knows that you will hit back," 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.