The outrageous terrorist attack at the Uri Army camp, Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 completely shook the nation. 18 soldiers were martyred in the strike which drew strong condemnation from various quarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the country that “those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished”. Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called Pakistan a terrorist state while claiming that it should be isolated.
Let us have a look at how did the dastardly events unfolded:
1. Jhelum Route used as the entry point to India
Sources have pointed out that terrorists came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) and used the route of Jhelum river to enter India. They attacked the Uri army base at 4 A.M. in the morning while targeting the sleeping soldiers. Further, they carried huge amounts of automatic arms and ammunition.
2. Entered the Army camp by cutting steel wires
The terrorists had entered the Kashmir Valley nearly 24 hours prior to attacking the Uri base camp. They entered the army camp through the route of the canal near the back side wall of 12th Infantry Brigade headquarters. After crossing the canal which circles the camp from three sides, the terrorists entered after cutting the steel wires above the walls. Later on, they divided themselves in two groups.
3. Grenade attack
The first group of terrorists hurled grenades on the army camp from the right side along with firing on the soldiers. Meanwhile, the other group showered bullets and grenades on the administrative camps.
The soldiers were having a nap when the attack occurred on the administrative area.The terrorists hurled 17 grenades in a short span of 3 minutes, besides blatantly firing at the soldiers. The tents were set ablaze due to the firing and nearly 14 out of 17 soldiers were martyred due to the flames. Some of the soldiers were preparing to join duty whereas the rest were sleeping in the barracks.
4. Para Commandos Come to the Rescue
The soldiers on ground were engulfed into flames and thus it became difficult for them to counter the terrorists. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the para commandos were air dropped at the site using choppers. The paratroopers then engaged with the 4 terrorists and were able to neutralize them after a 3 hour long operation.
5. Casualties inflicted as soldiers were taken off guard
The soldiers were preparing to join duty and were tasked to fill diesel through oil tankers. They didn't have any weapons at that time and the terrorists used this as an opportune moment to attack them. The baracks and tents which were spread over 150 meters had caught fire which led to huge casualties.
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6. Map cites that the operation was meticulously planned
The map found in the possession of the dead terrorists clearly indicate that there entry was cleverly planned. Further, they aspired to target the unarmed soldiers. Later on, they wanted to target the medical unit located near the administrative area. They had also planned to create massive destruction in the Officers' mess.
Timeline:
4:00 A.M.: The terrorists entered the army camp on Sunday morning.
4:03 A.M.: One of the terrorists conducted a suicide attack which set the camps ablaze.
4:04 A.M.: The soldiers staying in the camps came forward to handle the situation.
7:00 A.M.: The Police force gave a statement regarding confirmation of the terrorist attack.
7:15 A.M.: The police further claimed that the terrorists entered the army camp much before dawn set in and attacked the soldiers with guns and grenades.
7:30 A.M.: As per news agency ANI, nearly 3-4 terrorists had indulged in the attack.
7:50 A.M.: News arrived that 6 soldiers are injured in the attack.
8:00 A.M.: Soldiers of army's special commando force reached the army camp via helicopters. The encounter was still continuing.
8:10 A.M.: Home Minister Rajnath Singh cancelled his Russian and American visits.
8:25 A.M.: Two soldiers of the army are martyred in the attack. Further, one of the 6 injured soldiers condition is still critical.
8:50 A.M.: Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called an emergency meeting. On the other hand, the encounter is still ongoing in the army camp.
9:00 A.M.: Jammu and Kashmir's Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti briefed Rajnath Singh about Uri's situation.
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9:25 A.M.: Security has been enhanced in Uri. Surveillance has also been increased on the roads going towards Line of Control.
9:57 A.M.: Rajnath Singh called a high level meeting at 12:15 P.M. in the afternoon.
10:10 A.M.:The army spokesman has confirmed that 4 terrorists were killed in the encounter.
10:15 A.M.: Soldiers began a search operation in the camp and adjoining areas.
10:59 A.M.: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag reached Kashmir.
11:00 A.M.: The Army spokesman confirmed that 11 soldiers were martyred in the attack.
11:01 A.M.: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar reached Srinagar
11:20 A.M.: The army gave a statement.
11:36 A.M.: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi condemned the attack.
11:40 A.M.: Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag reached Srinagar.
11:54 A.M.: The Home Ministry issued a security alert regarding all the airports of the country.
12:04 P.M.: Home Minister Rajnath Singh apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the actions taken regarding the encounter.
12:10 P.M.: Defence Minister and Army chief reached Srinagar and conducted a meeting. Later on, they went to Uri.
12:28 P.M.: Surveillance increased on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir region along with the international border.
12:48 P.M.: Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed condolences for the Uri martyrs while condemning the terrorist attack.
12:49 P.M.: Dead bodies of all four terrorists were recovered.
12:52 P.M.: Home Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a meeting with top officials.
1:30 P.M.: PM Narendra Mondi expresed sadness over the Uri attack. Further, he asked the Home Minister and Defence Minister to keep the situation under observation.
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