J&K attack attempt to destabilise peace: Rajnath

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday condemned the Udhampur terror attack and termed it an attempt by Pakistan to destabilise peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Two militants attacked Border Security Force (BSF) convoy in Udhampur in Jammu on Wednesday. Two jawans were killed and 14 were injured in the attack," the home minister said in a statement in the Rajya Sabha.

"One of the two terrorists was killed and the other was arrested with the help of locals. The other terrorist has been brought to Jammu and interrogation is on. After initial interrogation, the terrorist has told his name is Naved, alias Mohammad Usman, and he is from Faisalabad," Singh added.

The Rajya Sabha, which has been repeatedly disrupted since the beginning of the session, agreed to hear the minister's statement on the attack in silence, with leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad calling it a matter of great concern for the whole nation.

He said an AK-47 with magazines and explosives were recovered.

"This attack is an attempt by cross border terrorists to disrupt peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We condemn it," he said.

He also expressed regret over the death of two BSF troopers, and those injured in the "mindless violence".

Singh said that the government is considering gallantry awards for the BSF troopers, and has asked the state government to reward the villagers.

"BSF, Jammu and Kashmir police, and CRPF showed courage in limiting the damage and made the attack fail. For this courageous action, the kin of the deceased soldiers will be given compensation, jobs and will also be given gallantry awards," he said.

"We specially appreciate the bravery of the villagers who risked their life and nabbed the terrorists. We have urged the state government to recognise and reward the action. We believe the arrested terrorist's interrogation will give information on their modus operandi," Singh added.

Soon after, there was a din in the house once again and it was adjourned till 12 noon.

--Indo-Asian News Servive

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