M. M. ALAM

SRINAGAR (URI ARMY BASE): In the most deadly attack in recent past four militants attacked the rear administrative base of an Indian Army unit at Uri (Baramulla, in the north of held Kashmir, near the line of control) here killing 17 on Sunday morning. All four attackers were killed due to retaliatory firing. Nineteen soldiers injured in the ambush have been airlifted to the Army Hospital. 

Pundits at the helm of affairs are pondering over conspiracy theory:  While this Himalayan region is reeling from weeks of deadly unrest, why the attack came when Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif is addressing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to highlight the continuing grave violations of human rights by the occupation forces of India in the Occupied Jammu and Kashmir? 

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has cancelled a scheduled trip to Russia and the US, has called an emergency meeting to reflect over the development. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti & governor NN Vohra briefed  Rajnath Singh regarding the situation in Uri.

Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief of Army Staff Dalbir Singh Suhag are heading towards the scene of attack.

According to Indian Army one battalion was being moved and another was taking over, most soldiers in transit were staying in tents. The tents caught fire in the initial stages of the attack. Sources say 12 casualties occurred due to fire and others lost life in gunfight with militants. Militants breached the perimeter fence to enter the camp at 5.30 am.