Former Indian Army Chief General Shankar Roychowdhury urged India to raise its own ‘fidayeen’ or suicide squad against Pakistan following the Uri attack which left 17 soldiers dead.
In an interview to NDTV on Sunday, Roychowdhury said, “Time for India to raise its own fidayeen.” The attack has sparked anger from former army personnel with many calling for retaliatory action.
Former Army Chief General Shankar Roy Choudhary on NDTV says “Time For India to raise our own Fidayeen” reflecting depth of rage #UriAttack
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 18, 2016
Former Army Major Gaurav Arya also called for strict action against Pakistan, which he held responsible for the attack. “Pakistan keeps doing it again and again. We must take immediate action. Downgrade relation with Pakistan. Stop trade. Show the world we are serious,” he said.
The Indian military holds Pakistan responsible for Uri attack and is determined to take action. It has reportedly resolved to use concentrated artillery barrages and sniping operations in cross-border strikes.
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Relations between Pakistan and India have been on edge since an attack took place on an Indian air force base in Punjab, near the border with Pakistan, killing seven uniformed men.
The Indian army has requested the Modi government to consider “limited but punitive” cross-border strikes to send a message to Pakistan, which it holds responsible for the attack. “Yes, there will be retaliation from the other side but it can be dealt with,” TOI reported a source as saying.
Pakistan denies any role in cross-border terrorism and has called on the United Nations and the international community to investigate atrocities it alleges have been committed by the security forces in Indian-ruled Kashmir.
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