Opinion | Remembering Uri attack & India’s Strong response

Remembering the Uri Attack & India’s Strong Response is a remembrance of the 2016 Uri terror attack that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers, the immense pain suffered by their families, and India’s strong political, diplomatic and military response. The article highlights the 2016 surgical strikes as a defining moment in India’s counter terrorism approach and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to honouring its fallen heroes and standing firmly against terrorism.

September 18 remains one of the most tragic dates etched in the minds and history of India. On this day in the early hours of the morning, four heavily armed Lashkar Taiba terrorists attacked an Army camp in Uri, resulting in around 30 casualties and several injuries. All four terrorists involved in this heinous act against humanity were killed in the subsequent counter terror operation. But as soon as the news went out, it sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond, triggering grief and pain nationally. It once again brought into focus the continuing threat of cross border terrorism faced by India. For Jammu Kashmir, this attack marked another coward act by Pakistan to stain the green beautiful Valley of Kashmir with terrorism and the red of blood. For the record, Lashkar Taiba is a Pakistani based terror outfit that, along with other groups, has carried out multiple terror attacks across India, killing and injuring thousands and in Kashmir in particular. According to the Directorate General of Military Operations, the terrorists opened fire at approximately 5:30 in the morning. Their use of incendiary ammunition caused temporary shelters to catch fire, resulting in a large number of casualties. Four AK 47 rifles, under barrel grenade launchers and other military equipment were recovered from the slain terrorists, with several items bearing Pakistani markings.

The attack brought an irreversible loss for the nation that lost its precious soldiers to terrorism in the line of duty. For the families of the soldiers, the attack brought an unbearable loss. Behind every uniform was a son, brother, husband or father who had left home to serve the nation. The sacrifice of these soldiers cannot be reduced to a number in a casualty report. They represented thousands of soldiers who continue to stand guard along the LoC so that millions of Indians can live without constantly fearing violence, so that Kashmir can be protected from such cross-border terrorism and terrorists. Imagine the pain of a daughter who had seen off her father and was expecting his return, imagine the pain of that son who hugged his slain father wrapped in Tiranga, imagine the pain of that mother who gave a last kiss on her son’s forehead and desired seeing him again but alive, this pain is beyond imaginations, manifestations and assumptions.

The response to this was not only military but included political, strategic and diplomatic too. The world leaders condemned it; PM condemned and spoke openly in the UN on cross border terrorism. New Delhi intensified its diplomatic campaign to isolate Pakistan internationally and highlighted the issue of cross border terrorism at international forums. India also announced that it would review the Indus Waters Treaty, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that blood and water could not flow together. India decided against participating in the SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad, while several other member states also withdrew, resulting in the summit being postponed. India also reviewed the Most Favoured Nation status granted to Pakistan. India also intensified its diplomatic efforts to expose Pakistan’s support and financing of terrorism on international platforms, including at the FATF, where Pakistan was placed on the grey list in 2018 over deficiencies in its efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, putting the watchdog’s extra vigil on Pakistan’s activities.

India’s military response to the Uri attack was swift, decisive and demonstrated the country’s determination to defend its soldiers and territorial integrity. On 29 September 2016, just eleven days after the attack, the Indian Special Forces conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control against terrorist launch pads. The operation was aimed at terrorist teams preparing to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir and was based on specific intelligence inputs. The strikes marked a significant shift in India’s counter terrorism approach, making it clear that India would not remain a passive victim of repeated cross border terrorism. The operation demonstrated the capability, preparedness and courage of the Indian armed forces and sent a strong message to terrorist groups and their supporters that attacks on Indian soil would have consequences. For India, the surgical strikes were not merely an act of retaliation, but a demonstration of national resolve, military capability and the political will to protect the country. The operation also boosted the confidence of the nation and showed that the Line of Control could not be treated as a permanent shield for those facilitating terrorism against India. The bravery and precision of the Indian Army’s Special Forces became a symbol of India’s changing approach to national security, where restraint would not be mistaken for weakness and the country would reserve the right to respond firmly whenever its security and sovereignty were threatened. This in particular marked a shifting in India’s approach from defensive to offensive defensive, showed India’s resolve to deal with terror at its will, reaffirmed India’s commitment of zero tolerance against terror.

The strong political, diplomatic and military response to Uri sent a clear signal to Pakistan to stop terrorism against India or face the gravest consequences at the hands of our brave and valiant forces. As we mark a decade of the gruesome Uri attack, we remember our fallen heroes who laid down their precious lives in defending the country and the Valley of Kashmir against Pakistan’s terrorists. We send our supreme condolences to the families and stand by them as a nation today, tomorrow and forever, and reaffirm our commitment to condemn and defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stand by our security forces.

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