NIA likely to lead investigation into Uri terror attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to investigate the terror attack on the Uri army base in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to investigate the terror attack on the Uri army base in Jammu and Kashmir.

An army helicopter flies above the army base in Uri that was attacked by militants. (Waseem Andrabi/ HT Photo)

“A team of NIA officials reached Srinagar on Sunday. It will be sent to Uri once the area is sanitised and the army gives its go-ahead,” said a senior home ministry official.

At least 17 soldiers were killed as heavily armed militants attacked the army base in north Kashmir.

The Union home secretary is likely to go to Srinagar later in the day.

“There is apprehension that separatist elements may get emboldened by the attack as these attacks are clearly being carried out to boost the unrest that Valley has seen after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The state has been asked to remain on high alert,” said the official.

Counter-terror sources said there was a general warning a few days before the attack that military bases in northern India may targeted.

The Uri sector had seen a similar attack on an army base in Mahura in December 2014, when eight soldiers and three police officers died. The Mahura attack also started at midnight.

Attacks on security forces have been on the rise in Kashmir this year. Before the Uri attack, security forces were targeted in Poonch, Pulwama and Pampore.

Read | Pakistan Army asks India to provide ‘actionable intelligence’ on Uri attack