Uri attack: Most soldiers were preparing for posting in peaceful areas

Srinagar, Sept 19: It was a sad day for the armed forces and the entire nation on Sunday after a ghastly terrorist strike in which 17 soldiers were martyred and several others were injured. Had the Uri attack not taken place, most of the soldiers would have returned to peaceful areas after completing a gruelling two and half years of duty along the Line of Control.

The armed forces put up a brave fight and killed 4 terrorists who launched the attack. However, for the army the casualties were higher due to the tents catching fire.

Moreover the base had a large number of troops who were turning over after their duty. Most of them were stationed in temporary shelters and tents which caused a high number of casualties.

Some of the soldiers who died in the attack would have either gone home or to a peaceful area. They had completed two and a half years at the Line of Control.

The duty at the Line of Control is considered to be the toughest and gruelling. Had the attack not taken place, most of these soldiers would have got a much deserved break from such hectic and dangerous duty.

It was clear that the terrorists took full advantage of the changeover of troops. In the attack 11 from the Doghra regiment were killed while 8 were from the Bihar regiment lost their lives.

The changeover was taking place when the attack took place. Personnel of the Bihar regiment were to replace the Doghra regiment. At the time of the attack several personnel of the Bihar regiment were at the gate.

Investigations that are being conducted would focus on a lot of aspects. Whether the terrorists were aware of a changeover taking place is also part of the probe. An officer when asked if there was a possibility of information being leaked, he said that the probe is still underway and all aspects would be examined.

OneIndia News