Parties condemn Uri terror strike

Major parties and leaders on Sunday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Uri, with the Congress expressing hope that the perpetrators and “the forces behind them” will be severely dealt with.

“Congress President Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and deep distress over the martyrdom of Indian soldiers in the dastardly terrorist attack in Uri,” a party statement said.

Terming the “cowardly” terror attack as a “deplorable affront on our national conscience”, Gandhi expressed hope that “the perpetrators of this dastardly attack as also the forces behind them will be severely dealt with and brought to book.” 

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also condemned the attack. “Strongly condemn the militant attack on Army base in Uri. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the bravehearts martyred in the attack,” he said in a tweet.

The CPI(M) Central Committee, now in session here, asked Pakistan to stop aiding and abetting extremist forces, while strongly condemning the attack. Party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters that Pakistan must refrain from indulging in cross border terrorism and demanded that the matter “should be taken up seriously.” 

In a statement, CPI(M) said Pakistan must stop aiding and abetting the extremist forces as such activities are a big impediment to the peace process in the region. It also charged the government with failing to stop continued infiltration of militants despite deploying a large number of security personnel across the state.

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO, said in a tweet: “Extremely disturbed by loss of precious lives of Indian Jawans in Uri attack. Can nation ever repay for such supreme sacrifices?” 

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju offered “deepest condolences to families of #UriAttack martyrs who sacrificed their lives for motherland” and said “the perpetrators will be made to pay for it.”