Uri terror attack: Those behind despicable attack will not go unpunished, says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the tragic Uri terror attack in a series of Tweets. He also assured the nation that perpetrators will not go unpunished.

PM Modi mentioned that the country will always remember the martyrs and also lent his support to their brave families.

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

Have spoken to HM & RM on the situation. RM will go to J&K himself to take stock of the situation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 18, 2016

Seventeen soldiers were killed in an audacious militant attack on army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday that also left four terrorists dead, military officials said.

Over two dozen soldiers were also injured in the attack which began at 5.30 a.m. when a group of heavily-armed terrorists targeted the rear administrative base of the army unit, the officials said.

The sneak attack triggered a massive gun battle that lasted well over two-and-a-half-hours, sending huge columns of black smoke rising into the sky.

Unofficial sources said most of the dead soldiers were from the Bihar Regiment. It was reportedly the biggest terror attack on any army camp in Jammu and Kashmir in about a decade.

After the fighting died down, soldiers continued to comb the camp for other militants who may be hiding as well as explosives they may have planted, the officials said.

No guerrilla group claimed responsibility for the bloodbath. But some reports said the guerrillas had recently infiltrated into the Indian side of the Line of Control from Pakistan.

(With IANS inputs)