Message Board

Is US using the Kashmir issue to try and get a permanent foothold in South Asia? Post your views

Jammu: Defence Minister George Fernandes on July 23 ruled out any security lapses leading to the suicide attack by terrorists on an Army camp and blamed Pakistan for sending militants to engineer trouble in Jammu and Kashmir.

"There were no security lapses as these incidents of fidayeen (suicide) attacks have been continuing in the past as well," Fernandes told reporters after taking stock of security situation at the Army camp in Tanda, where eight Army personnel were killed and 12 others injured in the attack by terrorists on July 22.

"The militants are still coming from Pakistan to engineer trouble here," he said, adding the attacks were aimed to derail the peace process between India and Pakistan.

Fernandes, who earlier enquired about the condition of the injured Armymen, said there were minor injuries to the officers but they were hail and hearty.

Army Chief N C Vij, Northern Command chief Hari Prasad and Corps Commander T P S Brar were also present at the press conference.

"The involvement of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) is being suspected in this incident...they have owned it through a shadow outfit," the Defence Minister said.

Fernandes said, "Our jawans did a good job by killing three fidayeens, who have been sent by Pakistan."

PTI