Udhampur attack an attempt by terrorists from Pak to vitiate Kashmir atmosphere: Rajnath

New Delhi: The terror strike in Udhampur is a part of “persistent attempts by terrorists” from Pakistan to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir, government told the Lok Sabha on Thursday while informing that the two attackers had infiltrated from across the border.

Making a suo motu statement in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday’s attack, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the interrogation of one of the two terrorists, who was captured alive, is expected to reveal their modus operandi, including the details of their infiltration from across the border and their targets.

“We strongly condemn the attack and the persistent attempts by terrorists from across the border to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

He said that there were five infiltration attempts in a month, four of which were foiled and eight terrorists were neutralised.

Giving details about Wednesday’s incident, Singh said the apprehended terrorist was Mohammad Naveed Yakub alias Usman, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan, and he had identified his slain accomplice as Mohammad Nomen alias Nomin, a resident of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Usman was brought to Jammu, where he is being questioned by the authorities concerned, he said.

He said the BSF personnel had been martyred in Wednesday’s attack. They were Rocky, a resident of Yamuna Nagar in Haryana, and Subhendu Roy of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. 14 other BSF personnel were injured in the attack that took place around 18 kms from Udhampur town.

Two AK-47 rifles along with some magazines, grenades and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists and a FIR has been registered at Chenani Police Station, the Home Minister said, adding further investigation of the case is in progress.

“The government remains committed to combating terrorism with a strong resolve and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and our security personnel,” he said in the identical statements made in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

Expressing condolences to the families of the two BSF personnel who were killed in the attack on Jammu-Srinagar highway, Singh said the country was behind those injured in this mindless act of violence.

“The security forces, including the BSF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF have shown exemplary courage in thwarting the attack with minimum casualties.

“Besides the ex-gratia compensation and jobs to be provided to the families of the martyred BSF personnel, we will also consider them and others who displayed courage and bravery in the incident for immediate award of the Gallantry Medal,” he said.

The Home Minister also applauded the courage of the unarmed villagers, who “despite grave risk to their lives overpowered a fully armed militant” without consideration for their own security.

“We will take up the matter with the state government for suitably recognising their conspicuous act of valour,” he said.

In Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said any attack from across the border particularly from Pakistan was a matter of great concern for the country.

Azad also said that “whenever House is in order, we would like a full-fledged discussion on the issue. Presently, there should be no discussion and questions on his statement,” he said.

PTI