The Weekend Leader - Army chief pays tribute to soldiers martyred in Kashmir

Army chief pays tribute to soldiers martyred in Kashmir

Srinagar

06-December-2014

Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag Saturday said terror attacks carried out Friday were the handiwork of elements inimical to peace and democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The attacks were an "attempt to disrupt the remaining phases of (assembly) elections here", Suhag said after chairing a security review meeting inside the headquarters of the army's 15 Corps.

Upon his arrival here, the army chief paid homage to eight soldiers killed in the terror attack at Mahura (Uri) camp in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Besides, he attended a wreath laying ceremony to honour the martyrs.

A defence ministry statement here said the bodies of the soldiers were sent by air to their home towns for the last rites, which will be held as per the traditions of the Indian Army.

"The army chief was briefed at the headquarters of Chinar Corps on the two recent operations which resulted in the elimination of 12 militants. He also took stock of security in the Valley in light of the ongoing elections," it said.

"The army chief expressed satisfaction at the high state of alertness of the forces and commended their level of commitment and preparedness."

Heavily armed militants Friday attacked an army camp and a police checkpost, besides hurling a grenade at a posse of security personnel. A smoke grenade also went off at a fourth place.

The state is in the midst of five-phase assembly elections, with the next phase scheduled for Dec 9. The polls began Nov 25 and end Dec 20, with the vote count to be held Dec 23. - IANS



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