Delhi: A day after deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri killed seventeen soldiers, the Army said on Monday that infiltration bids had increased in the current year in comparison to last three to four years.
Addressing the media, Director General of Military Operations, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh (DGMO) said, "During 2016, there have been a total of 17 infiltration bids across the LoC, which have been sucessfully eliminated by Indian Army. It indicates very desperate attempt from across the border to push infiltrators into India with a view to create disturbances. Of a total of 110 terrorists killed during various operations this year, 31 were killed while they were attempting to cross the LoC"
Regarding the terror attack, Singh said, "Operation has been called off this evening, complete area has been cleared. Total recoveries during Uri operation include 4 AK rifles,4 grenade launchers, 4 under barrel grenade launchers. Recoveries also include 39 under barrel grenade launcher grenades, 5 hand grenades, 2 radio sets, 2 global positioning systems."
"Two map sheets, 2 metric sheets that they use when they move from one place to another as guidance points, was also recovered. Recoveries include large quantity of food and medicine packets, having markings of Pakistan," he added.
"Both Poonch and Uri attacks led to neutralisation and killing of four terrorists each by Indian Army," the DGMO said.
"The Indian Army has displayed considerable restraint while handling the terrorist situation both along the Line of Control and in hinterland. However, we have the desired capability to respond to such blatant acts of aggression and violence as deemed appropriate by us. We reserve the right to respond to any act of the adversary at the time and place of our own choosing," he maintained.
PM Modi chairs meet with top ministers, officials on Kashmir
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a high-level meeting attended by top ministers and other officials over terror attack in Uri.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag besides other senior officials attended the meeting.
The top security brass briefed the PM on the prevailing ground situation in Kashmir Valley in the wake of the terror attack at a Brigade Headquarters in Uri in which 17 soldiers were killed, official sources said.
The Defence Minister and the Army Chief had visited Kashmir after the terror attack yesterday.
Heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan-based JeM had yesterday stormed an army base in Uri in Kashmir, killing 17 jawans.
India had reacted strongly to the deadliest attack on the Army in Jammu and Kashmir in a quarter-century-old insurgency that sparked an outrage with the Prime Minister strongly condemning it.
"We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Uri. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished," PM Modi had said.
We strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Uri. I assure the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2016
We salute all those martyred in Uri. Their service to the nation will always be remembered. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2016
The HM, who had yesterday called an emergency meeting in Delhi, had pointed a finger directly at Pakistan, saying it is a 'terrorist state' and should be isolated while BJP leader Ram Madhav said days of strategic restraint are over and suggested that 'for one tooth, the complete jaw' should be the policy after the attack.
Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016
There are definite and conclusive indications that the perpetrators of Uri attack were highly trained, heavily armed and specially equipped.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016
I am deeply disappointed with Pakistan’s continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016
(With Agency inputs)
