Expressing anguish over the attack, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Sunday the attack seems to be aimed at triggering fresh violence and creating a war-like situation in the region.
Mehbooba paid rich tributes to the slain soldiers and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. She also prayed for early recovery of those injured in the attack.
The Chief Minister said the heightened tension in the wake of Uri attack is set to further vitiate the atmosphere in and around Jammu & Kashmir amid increasing Indo-Pak hostility. “Unfortunately, people in Jammu & Kashmir, who are already mired in an agonising situation shall have to bear the maximum brunt of the fresh attempts being made to step up violence and trigger fresh bloodshed in the State,” she said and added that J&K has always been the worst victim of Indo-Pak hostility and its people have been paying a colossal price for the same for the past over six decades.
The Chief Minister said that the perpetrators of violence must understand that violent methods have yielded nothing in the past nor will these yield anything in future except adding to the miseries of the people.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack. “Terrible news from Uri, 17 soldiers killed & many injured. May their souls rest in peace. Prayers for their families as also for the injured,” tweeted Omar.