Uri attack: Will thwart evil designs of terrorists and their backers, says Prez

New Delhi [India], Sept. 18 (ANI): Strongly condemning the Uri terror attack, President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said India will not be cowed down by such attacks, adding that it would thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their backers. "Strongly condemn outrageous terrorist attack on Army base in Uri; tributes to brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifice. Heartfelt condolences to families of those bereaved in Uri terrorist attack; prayers for speedy recovery of injured. India will not be cowed down by such attacks, we will thwart the evil designs of terrorists and their backers," President Mukherjee tweeted. At least 17 soldiers were killed in the gun battle at the base, which is around 100 km from state capital Srinagar. Combing operations are currently underway to ensure no untoward element still persists in the Army perimeters. Meanwhile, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh has reached Srinagar where he will meet the injured soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and assured the nation that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. "We salute all those martyred in Uri. Their service to the nation will always be remembered. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. "Have spoken to HM & RM on the situation. RM will go to J&K himself to take stock of the situation," he said in a series of tweets. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers and said those behind this terror incident would be brought to justice. The Home Minister also apprised Prime Minister Modi regarding the deliberations of the security review meeting held at his official residence this afternoon. Singh has instructed Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials to closely monitor the situation in the valley. (ANI)