Rajnath lauds jawans & villagers, blames Pak

NEW DELHI: Declaring that the terrorists who attacked a BSF convoy near Udhampur came from Pakistan, Union home minister Rajnath Singh condemned cross-border terrorism on Wednesday. He was speaking in the Rajya Sabha. Singh’s statement came after Congress members allowed him to speak suo motu given the seriousness of the terror attack.
“We condemn the attack and persistent attempts by terrorists from across the border to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in J&K,” Singh said.“Preliminary interrogation of the captured terrorist reveals his identity as Mohammad Naved Yakub, alias Usman, a resident of Faisalabadin Pakistan. He revealedthe identity of his slain accomplice as Mohammad Nomen alias Nomin, resident of Bhawalpur, Pakistan,” the home minister said.
HesaidtwoBSF personnel—Yamuna Nagar resident Rocky and Subhendu Rai of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal — were killed and 14 injured in the attack around 18 km from Udhampur town. While one militant was killed, the other was caught by locals and the police. “The apprehended terrorist was broughtto Jammu, where he’s being questioned,” Singh said.
Two AK-47 rifles, some magazines, grenade and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists and an FIR has been lodged at Chenani police station. “We’re confident that questioning of the apprehended terrorist will reveal their modus operandi, including details of in-filtration and their targets. The government remains committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of our citizens and security personnel,” the minister said.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the BSF men killed, he said besides ex-gratia compensation and jobs to their families, “We will consider them and others who displayed courage and bravery in the incident for immediate award of gallantry medals”. He lauded the villagers who risked their lives and overpowered a fully-armed militant. “We’ll take up the matter withthe state governmentfor suitably recognizing their act of valour,” he said.