Uri Attack: Experts, Ex-Servicemen React to Deadly Terror Incident

The Uri attack is the biggest setback for the Army in the Valley in terms of casualties in the past decade.

17 soldiers losing their lives in the most deadly attack on the Army in recent years.(Photo: PTI)

In a deadly terrorist attack, militants targeted an administrative base of the Army in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Sunday.

Uri, which houses the Indian army’s brigade headquarters near the line of control with with Pakistan, saw 17 soldiers losing their lives in the most deadly attack on the Army in recent years.

After Kaluchak, 2002 the Uri attack is the biggest setback for the Army in the Valley in terms of casualties.

In the wake of the deaths, experts and ex-servicemen have taken to different platforms to condemn the horrific incident.

Former soldiers and defence experts on Sunday unanimously called for a tough action against Pakistan, whom they blamed for the terrorist attacks such as the one on an army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir where 17 soldiers were killed.

Also Read: Uri Attack: 17 Soldiers Dead, PM Modi Assures ‘Punishment’

It is a clear attack on India by Pakistan. We can no longer afford to just not do anything. The Indian response should be tough... the retribution should be quick and tough... The solution to the problem lies across the border, not here.

Raj Kadyan, Retired Lt General, Indian Army

Major (retd) Gaurav Arya, who has expertise in Jammu and Kashmir security situation, echoed the sentiments.

Unless we understand that the problem in Jammu and Kashmir is not a problem just there, but it is being artificially manufactured in the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, we would not be able to respond.

Major (retd) Gaurav Arya

Lieutenant General KJ Singh of the Army took to Twitter to denounce the attack, while also adding that it is too early in the day to dissect and analyse the security lapse that led to the attack.

Former diplomat Rajiv Dogra said the attack on Uri army camp was such that it could not have been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Taiba alone, hinting at the Pakistan Army’s involvement in the incident.

“Since 1947, barring 1971, we have not been able to devise a response to Pakistan’s mischief,” Dogra said.

He also called for downgrading ties with the “western neighbour”, including suspension of trade with it.

Experts say that preventing such suicide attacks is extremely difficult(Photo: PTI)

India Needs to Respond to Pak-Sponsored Terrorism

However, known Defence expert SR Sinho hinted at Pakistan having a hand in the attack. Sinho, in a comment, urged the Indian Government to respond strongly to the deadly attack. He said:

This suicide attack shows the frustration of the Pakistan army who are working to to create trouble in the valley. 

Retired Brigadier Anil Gupta accused Pakistan of causing instability in the Valley. Speaking on the terrorist attack, he said:

The attack is a matter of serious concern for India and is desperate attempt by Pakistan to ensure the current turmoil in Kashmir doesn’t end... Pakistan, despite all the criticism and the problems its facing, is hell bent on encouraging terrorism inside Kashmir. 

The suicide attack in Uri comes ahead of the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address to the United Nations and as such, many are looking at it as a larger attempt by Pakistan to raise the matter at the UN.

Defence expert Qamar Aagha raised questions on the timing of the attack. He added that the attack is of a serious nature and should be looked at as a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to escalate the issue so that it can be used by Sharif at the UN.

No Fool-Proof Way of Preventing Such Suicide Attacks

Retired Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, who has previously served at Uri, in a series of tweets shed light on the complexities the Army faces in handling such attacks.

The retired lieutenant added that preventing such suicide attacks is extremely difficult and the security forces can only ensure proper damage control.