‘Pakistani terrorists behind Gulmarg terror attack’

A day after a deadly ambush on an Army convoy near the popular tourist spot of Gulmarg in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, which resulted in the death of two soldiers and two civilian porters, the Army on Friday identified the attackers as “Pakistani terrorists” and described the attack as “an attempt to disrupt peace and stability in Kashmir.

According to Army officials in Srinagar, after the Army column was attacked in the area, alert troops swiftly and resolutely retaliated the fire, “forcing the terrorists to retreat leaving behind a weapon and rucksack.”

The Army said attackers escaped into dense foliage, exploiting a nala and fading light.

Two soldiers, one from Anantnag district and other from Sirsa district, succumbed to injuries sustained during the exchange of fire.

“Actions by these brave soldiers prevented the terrorists from causing any further damage and demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to safeguard the National Security and counter inimical agenda of Pakistan abetting terrorism in Kashmir,” the Army said.

Two local porters — Zahoor Ahmad Mir of Boniyar tehsil and Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary of Uri Tehsil — also made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It is evident that Pakistani terrorists are deliberately and unregretfully targeting Kashmiri locals to evoke fear and terror in the Valley, which is progressing towards peace and stability,” the Army said.

It said the only “ideology these terrorists espouse is, of “The reign of terror in Valley.”

The Army said it “remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our citizens and will resolutely achieve its efforts to combat terrorism and promote harmony in the Kashmir Valley.”

“The sacrifices of these brave Kashmiris and Army soldiers will inspire the future generations to stand against the perpetrators of terror,” the Army said.