Those behind 'despicable' attack will not go unpunished: PM Modi on Uri encounter

Condemning the terror attack in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, where 17 soldiers of the Indian Army were killed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday assured the nation that those behind the '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," the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets.

Stating that he has spoken to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on the situation, he added that the latter will go to the Valley himself to take stock of the situation.

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

"The administrative base had large strength of troops of units turning over after their tour of duty who were stationed in tents/temporary shelters which caught fire, and resulted in heavy casualties. We salute the sacrifice of 17 soldiers who were martyred in the operation," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will also visit the Valley to take stock of the situation.

After postponing his forthcoming visits to the United States and Russia in the wake of the encounter in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajnath has instructed Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other senior officers in the Ministry of Home Affairs to closely monitor the situation in the Valley.

A high level security meet is presently underway at Rajnath's residence in which senior MHA and MoD officials are present.