Terrorist state Pakistan must be isolated: Rajnath

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 18

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday called Pakistan a "terrorist state" and said it should be "isolated", hours after a deadly militant strike at a military installation in north Kashmir’s Uri sector left 17 soldiers dead.

In a series of strongly worded tweets, Singh wrote: "I am deeply disappointed with Pakistan's continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups. Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such".

Pakistan is a terrorist state and it should be identified and isolated as such.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016

There are definite and conclusive indications that the perpetrators of Uri attack were highly trained, heavily armed and specially equipped.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016

I am deeply disappointed with Pakistan’s continued and direct support to terrorism and terrorist groups.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016

Singh's comments came after he chaired a high-level security review meeting. Sources claimed Singh directed security forces to intensify offensive against militants operating in the Valley.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Director General of Military Operation (DGMO)Ranbir Singh, DG CRPF Durga Prasad, IB Chief  Dineswar Sharma , RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna and other senior security officials attended the meeting held at Singh's residence in the national capital.

After the meeting, he drove down to 7-RCR, the official residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to brief him about counter-terrorism operations and security situation in troubled Kashmir.

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Later, in an official statement the Home Minister offered his condolences to bereaved families and said that those behind the act of terrorism "would be brought to justice".

The home minister postponed his planned trips to Russia and the US earlier in the day. In a series of tweets on Sunday, Singh announced his decision.

The home minister also spoke to J&K Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti about the developments.

#WATCH HM Rajnath Singh chairs high level security meet in Delhi. NSA, Home Secy,IB Chief present #UriAttack pic.twitter.com/vjpQPq9QTD

— ANI (@ANI_news) September 18, 2016

Singh was scheduled to begin his Russian tour on Sunday. He was to leave for the US on September 25.

Seventeen soldiers were killed and dozens were reported injured in a militant strike at a military installation in north Kashmir's border town of Uri.

All four militants were killed in the gunbattle that followed the attack. — (With inputs from agencies)