Pakistani terrorists carried out attack on BSF convoy: Rajnath

The two terrorists who attacked a Border Security Force convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, killing two jawans, belong to Pakistan, the government said in Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

In a suo motu statement on Wednesday’s attack, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also strongly condemned "the persistent attempts by terrorists from across the border to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir".

"Preliminary interrogation of the captured terrorist reveal his identity as Mohammad Naveed Yakub alias Usman, a resident of Faisalabad in Pakistan. He also revealed the identity of his slain accomplice as Mohammad Nomen alias Nomin, resident of Bhawalpur, Pakistan," he said.

He said two BSF personnel -- Yamuna Nagar resident Rocky and Subhendu Roy of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal -- were killed and 14 others injured in the attack around 18 kms from Udhampur town, he said.

While one of the militants involved in the attack was killed, the other was apprehended by local people and police.

"The apprehended terrorist was brought to Jammu, where he is being questioned by the concerned authorities," Singh said.

Two AK-47 rifles along with some magazines, grenade and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists and a FIR has been registered at Chenani Police Station.

"Further investigation of the case is in progress," he said.

"We are confident that interrogation of the apprehended terrorist will reveal their modus operandi, including the details of their infiltration from across the border and their targets. The government remains committed to combating terrorism with a strong resolve and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens and our security personnel," the minister said.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of BSF personnel killed, he said besides ex-gratia compensation and jobs to their families, "We will also consider them and others who displayed courage and bravery in the incident for immediate award of the Gallantry Medal."

He also lauded the unarmed villagers who risked their lives and overpowered a fully-armed militant. "We will take up the matter with the state government for suitably recognizing their conspicuous act of valour," he said.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said any attack from across the border particulary from Pakistan was a matter of great concern for the country.

"We would welcome the statement from the home minister. But the home minister should confine to the statement alone," he said.

Azad also said that "whenever House is in order, we would like a full-fledged discussion on the issue. Presently, there should be no discussion and questions on his statement," he said.