Japan, Russia condemn Uri terror attack, express solidarity with India

New Delhi [India], Sept. 19 (ANI): Japan and Russia on Monday condemned the terror strike on an Indian Army camp at Uri in Baramulla district that claimed lives of at least 18 soldiers, and offered their condolences to the victims' families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in an official statement quoting Foreign Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura, said, "The Government of Japan strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the Indian Base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, and extends its sincere condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families, and expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured." Asserting that Japan condemns terrorism in all forms regardless of its purposes, the statement strongly reiterates that "no act of terrorism can be justified". "Japan expresses its solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism," the statement added. At least 18 soldiers lost their lives and over 20 others injured during the terror strike on an army camp close to the headquarters of the 12th Brigade at Uri in Baramulla district yesterday. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement said, "We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on an army base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri in the early hours of September 18, which killed 17 (18 actually) and injured 30 service personnel. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and wish a rapid recovery to all those injured." Also highlighting the Pathankot attack at the Indian air base in January 2016, the statement said, "Regarding the Pathankot Indian air base attack in January 2016, we are very concerned about the terrorist attacks near the Line of Control." "We are also concerned about the fact that, according to New Delhi, the army base near Uri was attacked from Pakistani territory," the Ministry said. Russia also called for a proper investigation in the Uri attack. "We believe that this criminal act will be investigated properly, and that its organisers and perpetrators will be held accountable. We confirm our continued support for the Indian government's counterterrorism efforts," the statement said. Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh had earlier said that the four terrorists, who attacked the military base in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri, belonged to Pakistan's banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). India is to present all actionable evidence against Pakistan if required at international bodies. The Indian Permanent Mission is to issue a statement taking on Islamabad soon after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will make his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Evidence of Pakistan's hand in Uri attack i.e. GPS tracker movements that go back to starting point in Pakistan, Pashto literature, Pakistan Army marked arms will be given to Islamabad at the DGMO level, sources said. India is set to raise Uri attack at the 71st UNGA and highlight Pakistan's involvement into the deadly terror strike. Sources state that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will strongly emphasize on Pakistan's involvement in the attack in her UNGA speech on September 26. This development comes after the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting at his official 7, Race Course Road residence in the national capital. (ANI)