Uri attack: Indian Army promises to give befitting response

Jaish-e-Mohammed is a Kashmir based militant group.

The official claimed that all the weapons had 'Pakistan marking'.

Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said during a press conference: "All four killed were Foreign Terrorists and had some items with them which had Pakistani markings."

"Initial reports indicate that the slain terrorists belong to Jaish-e-Mohammed tanzeem," he said.

Singh said: "Four AK 47 rifles and four Under Barrel Grenade Launchers along with a large number of other war like stores were recovered from them."

Singh said he has spoken with his Pakistani counterpart over the issue.

"Since the terrorists had some items with Pakistani markings, I have spoken to Pakistan DGMO and conveyed our serious concerns on the same," he said.

Singh said: "Finally, I would like to assure you that the Indian Army remains prepared to thwart any nefarious designs and any evil designs of the adversary shall be given a befitting reply.”

The state of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in a decade's time when four heavily armed terrorists sneaked into the 12 Brigade Army camp in Uri sector, leaving 17 jawans killed.

The terror strike took place 100 kms from state capital Srinagar, in North Kashmir Uri town near the line of control.

Hundreds of army jawans were sleeping in tents when terrorists threw grenades and started heavy firing on tents, leaving 17 army personnel dead.

Following is the full statement of Lt Gen Ranbir Singh to the media:

"A group of heavily armed terrorists opened fire on an administrative base of one of the units of Indian Army at Uri in Kashmir at approximately 0530 hours this morning. The firefight between the terrorists and Army Personnel continued till approximately 0830 hours, during which four terrorists have been killed. All four killed were Foreign Terrorists and had some items with them which had Pakistani markings. Initial reports indicate that the slain terrorists belong to Jaish-e-Mohammed tanzeem. Four AK 47 rifles and four Under Barrel Grenade Launchers along with a large number of other war like stores were recovered from them.

The terrorists fired incendiary ammunition along with automatic fire of small arms that led to army tents / temporary shelters catching fire. The tents located in the complex were to house additional troops inducted due to routine turnover of units. There have been a total of 17 Army fatal casualties. Of these, 13 - 14 casualties have been due to these tents/ shelters having caught fire. I must mention that the operation for clearance of the area is still in progress and a very deliberate search is being carried out of the entire area around the Military Complex in Uri. As such, complete details of the operation are not yet available. However, the operation is being carried out by the Indian Army in a very professional manner and the Army personnel have displayed exceptionally high standards of courage and gallantry while neutralizing the terrorists.

Since the terrorists had some items with Pakistani markings, I have spoken to Pakistan DGMO and conveyed our serious concerns on the same.

I would also like to mention that all the intelligence agencies are working in close synergy with the Security forces and regular intelligence inputs are received from concerned agencies and necessary action is being taken accordingly.

The COAS has visited the site of operation and taken an 'on the ground' assessment of the situation. The Hon'ble Raksha Mantri is also currently on his way to Srinagar and shall be updated by the COAS on the situation.

We salute the supreme sacrifice made by our brave soldiers following the highest traditions of Indian Army. Finally, I would like to assure you that the Indian Army remains prepared to thwart any nefarious designs and any evil designs of the adversary shall be given a befitting reply."