"We do not communalise our troops", Indian Army's reply to Owaisi

After Parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi's comments that five among seven soldiers killed in the Sunjuwan attack were from one community, Indian army replied strongly saying, "Indian army does not believe in communalising martyrs."

The General Officer Commander-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, Lt General Devraj Anbu said, "We do not communalise any of our troops. It's only for those who do not know the functioning of the army too well. They need to see that we put everything aside and live together".

Asaduddin Owaisi, Chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen, had referred to the soldiers who died in the Sunjuwan terror attack and said, "In this incident, five Kashmiri Muslims have laid down their lives. Why aren't you talking about it? This is a reminder to all those nationalists who question my integrity and the love for this country."

On Saturday, a group of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists attacked the military camp in Sunjuwan, killing seven people including six soldiers.

The army commander also said the "enemy is frustrated" and was trying to strike softer targets. "When they fail at borders they attack camps," said Lieutenant General Anbu, who heads the Northern Command.

Lt Gen Devraj Anbu informed that around 400 militants are waiting across the LoC in Pakistan to infiltrate into India. Elaborating this, Lt Gen Anbu told the media during his interaction after Investiture Ceremony at the Udhampur, "Total 185-220 terrorists are in launching pads at the South of Pir Panjal, while 190-225 terrorists are in the North of Pir Panjal area."

Meanwhile, the Northern Commander, who is heading all the retaliation operations of the army against Pakistan at LoC during ceasefire violations, revealed that total of 192 Pakistan soldiers have been killed in strong retaliations by Indian army. "Though Pakistan official admitted only six and seven killings on two separate locations and occasions, our sources told us that the number was quite high," added the General.

"Pakistan Army had a direct role in planning terror attacks in Jammu & Kashmir. Terror groups are properly supported by Pak's ISI and army", added the Northern Commander.

Asked about possible Indian retaliation against the terror attack on the Sunjuwan Station, he said, "Operating along the LoC is quite complex and challenging. I do not feel that we really need to do tit for tat. We will not do any coward act. We plan our strategy and we will continue with this."

As far as security of army establishments is concerned, "So far Rs 364 crores has been spent on security gadgets in the state," Gen Anbu added and said that Army is having a large number of small units and it difficult to secure properly with immediate priority but still, they are not only being secured physically but also with installation of gadgets", he added.