 "A man lights a candle during a vigil for the soldiers who were killed after gunmen attacked an Indian army base in Uri on Sunday, in Ahmedabad, India, September 22, 2016. File Image/Reuters")
On September 18, 2016, India faced one of its deadliest terrorist attacks when gunmen targeted an Army camp in Uri.
On this day in 1970, legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix was found dead in London under mysterious circumstances.
In 1961, United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash amid a tense Cold War conflict in Africa.
And in 2014, Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom in a closely watched independence referendum.
We explore all these events in our September 18 edition of Firstpost’s History Today series.
Uri terror attack of 2016
The Uri terror attack of September 18, 2016, stands as one of the most significant and defining moments in India’s modern security history.
Occurring in the early hours of that day, the attack targeted an Indian Army brigade headquarters near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Uri sector.
This meticulously planned assault by four heavily armed terrorists resulted in the deaths of 19 Indian soldiers and injuries to over 30 others, marking it as one of the deadliest strikes on Indian security forces in decades.
At approximately 5:30 am, as many soldiers were either asleep or beginning their routine activities, four gunmen believed to be associated with the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) infiltrated the camp.
Exploiting the element of surprise, they used incendiary grenades to ignite tents and fuel storage facilities, causing massive explosions and fires that trapped soldiers inside.
The attackers engaged in heavy gunfire with the Army before they were neutralised after a three-hour operation.
The choice of timing and location was deliberate. Uri, located close to the LoC, has historically been a sensitive area, serving as a strategic base for counter-infiltration operations.
The toll was devastating: 19 soldiers were killed, most of them from the Dogra Regiment and Bihar Regiment. Many perished in the initial blaze caused by the grenades.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation, condemned the attack and vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. Then-Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and then-Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag rushed to the site to assess the situation firsthand.
The Uri attack struck a raw nerve in India, coming amid a period of heightened tension following months of unrest in Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016.
In the days following the attack, investigators recovered weapons and equipment bearing Pakistani markings. GPS devices found on the terrorists traced their route back across the LoC, reinforcing India’s assertion that the attack was planned and executed with cross-border involvement.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took charge of the probe, and evidence was shared with the international community to garner support against Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism.
New Delhi also embarked on a diplomatic offensive. Indian officials briefed major world powers and international organisations, including the United Nations, highlighting the need to hold Pakistan accountable.
The attack became a flashpoint in India-Pakistan relations, with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of providing safe havens to terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
On September 29, less than two weeks after the incident, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes across the LoC targeting terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This was a landmark moment, as India publicly acknowledged cross-border operations for the first time, signalling a more proactive and assertive approach to national security.
The strikes were meticulously planned, involving elite commandos of the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces.
According to official statements, multiple terrorist camps were destroyed, and a significant number of militants were neutralised. Modi and the Cabinet Committee on Security monitored the operation closely.
The surgical strikes marked a departure from India’s traditionally restrained responses, which had typically involved diplomatic protests or limited artillery exchanges.
While many countries expressed solidarity with India and condemned terrorism, reactions to the surgical strikes were more measured. The United States and European Union urged restraint, emphasizing the need to avoid escalation between two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Pakistan, for its part, denied that surgical strikes had occurred, dismissing India’s claims as a fabrication.
Bilateral ties between India and Pakistan plummeted following the attack. India intensified efforts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, lobbying for sanctions against terrorist groups operating from its territory.
At the SAARC summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad later that year, India announced a boycott, which was soon joined by several other member states, leading to the summit’s eventual cancellation.
Trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries were also affected. Indian entertainment industries imposed bans on Pakistani artists, and public sentiment hardened on both sides.
The Indian Army reviewed its infrastructure in forward areas, pointing out the need for permanent, fireproof shelters and advanced surveillance systems.
Additionally, intelligence sharing and coordination among various agencies were strengthened. The government allocated increased funds for border fencing, night vision devices, and other modern equipment to counter infiltration.
Even years later, the Uri attack remains a defining event in India’s fight against terrorism. It reshaped public discourse around national security and influenced subsequent military operations, including the Balakot airstrikes of 2019 following the Pulwama attack.
For the families of the fallen soldiers, Uri is a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces.
Annual commemorations honour their memory, while the attack continues to serve as a rallying point for debates on cross-border terrorism and regional stability.
Jimi Hendrix found dead
On September 18, 1970, the world of music lost one of its most groundbreaking and influential figures: Jimi Hendrix, the legendary American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Hendrix was found unresponsive at the Samarkand Hotel in London, at the age of just 27, making him one of the most iconic members of what is often called the “27 Club” — artists who died tragically at that age.
The official cause of death was reported as asphyxiation due to inhaling vomit while intoxicated with barbiturates. His passing was sudden and sent shockwaves throughout the global music community.
At the time of his death, Hendrix was at the peak of his career. He had headlined Woodstock in 1969, delivering his famous rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner, which became an enduring moment in music and cultural history.
His influence extended far beyond rock, as he pioneered new ways to use distortion, feedback, and wah-wah pedals, redefining the sound of the electric guitar.
Despite his short career, Hendrix released three seminal studio albums — Are You Experienced (1967), Axis: Bold as Love (1967), and Electric Ladyland (1968) — all of which remain highly acclaimed.
Death of Dag Hammarskjöld
On September 18, 1961, Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, died in a plane crash while on a peacekeeping mission in Africa.
Hammarskjöld’s death occurred near Ndola, in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia).
His death remains one of the most mysterious and debated incidents in UN history, with ongoing questions about whether the crash was an accident or the result of foul play.
At the time of his death, he was travelling to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congo Crisis, a violent conflict that erupted after Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
The plane carrying Hammarskjöld and 15 others crashed shortly before landing. Of the 16 passengers and crew members on board, Hammarskjöld and 14 others were killed; one person initially survived but later died from injuries.
In the aftermath, investigations were launched, but no definitive conclusion was reached about the cause of the crash.
Some reports suggested pilot error, while others pointed to possible sabotage, including theories involving mercenaries or intelligence agencies that opposed Hammarskjöld’s peacekeeping initiatives.
Hammarskjöld was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously in 1961, becoming one of only a few individuals to receive the honour after death.
Scotland rejects independence
On September 18, 2014, Scotland held a historic referendum to determine whether it would remain part of the United Kingdom or become an independent nation.
The question posed to voters was simple: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” After a vigorous campaign, the turnout was remarkable — 84.6 per cent, one of the highest in any democratic vote in modern times.
The result was a “No” vote, with 55.3 per cent voting against independence and 44.7 per cent voting in favour.
The Scottish National Party (SNP), under the leadership of then-First Minister Alex Salmond, campaigned strongly for independence, highlighting issues such as Scottish control over taxation, welfare policies, and North Sea oil revenues.
The opposing “Better Together” campaign, backed by the UK government, argued that staying in the union provided economic stability, defence cooperation, and shared international influence.
In the final days before the referendum, UK leaders made a series of promises — known as “The Vow” — to grant Scotland greater devolved powers if it remained in the union.
Although Scotland ultimately voted to stay within the UK, the referendum had far-reaching effects. It reinvigorated the debate over Scotland’s place in the union and gave the SNP a renewed mandate to push for more autonomy.
In subsequent years, events such as Brexit, in which Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union, reignited calls for another independence referendum.
To this day, the question of Scottish independence remains a live political issue, shaping the future of the United Kingdom.
With inputs from agencies