Two terrorists who attacked BSF convoy are Pakistanis: Rajnath Singh

Singh also strongly condemned "the persistent attempts by terrorists from across the border to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in J&K"

The two terrorists who attacked a BSF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, killing two BSF personnel, belong to Pakistan, Government said in Rajya Sabha today.

In a suo motu statement on yesterday's attack, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also strongly condemned "the persistent attempts by terrorists from across the border to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir".

"Preliminary interrogation of the captured terrorist reveal his identity as Mohammad Naveed Yakub alias Usman, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan. He also revealed the identity of his slain accomplice as Mohammad Nomen alias Nomin, resident of Bhawalpur, Pakistan," he said.

He said two BSF personnel - Yamuna Nagar resident Rocky and Subhendu Roy of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, were killed and 14 others injured in the attack around 18 kms from Udhampur town, he said.

While one of the militants involved in the attack was killed, the other was apprehended by local people and police. "The apprehended terrorist was brought to Jammu, where he is being questioned by the concerned authorities," Singh said.

Two AK-47 rifles along with some magazines, grenade and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists and a FIR has been registered at Chenani Police Station. "Further investigation of the case is in progress," he said.

"We are confident that interrogation of the apprehended terrorist will reveal their modus operandi, including the details of their infiltration from across the border and their targets.

"The Government remains committed to combating terrorism with a strong resolve and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and our security personnel," the Minister said.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of BSF personnel killed, he said besides ex-gratia compensation and jobs to their families, "we will also consider them and others who displayed courage and bravery in the incident for immediate award of the Gallantry Medal."

He also lauded the unarmed villagers who risked their lives and overpowered a fully-armed militant. "We will take up the matter with the state government for suitably recognizing their conspicuous act of valour," he said.