Cabinet Committee on Security meets after Uri attack

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met here on Wednesday in the wake of the Uri army camp terror attack that left 18 soldiers dead.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath SIngh.

According to sources, the Uri attack was discussed in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Asked whether the issue was discussed, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley dodged the question and said: "What is discussed is what you have been informed."

Jaitley was speaking at a briefing on the Cabinet decisions.

Asked again, the minister said: "Government reaction to Uri has been stated in last three days very elaborately. Armed forces have expressed their view, which is also the view of the government".

Jaitley added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also already made his views clear.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh on Monday said India reserves the "right to respond to any act of the adversary at a time and place of own choosing".

A multi-pronged strategy being adopted by the government includes building diplomatic pressure on and international isolation of Pakistan, as well as army action, though it has not been clarified in what form.

Modi and Parrikar have both said that those responsible for the attack will not be spared.

Meanwhile, the government also chose to stay mum on the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets, which is in its final stage.

Asked if the Rafale deal was discussed, Jaitley said it was not on the agenda for the Cabinet meeting.

--IANS

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