'Uri is seeing this after two years'

A huge hoarding flashing Khushamdeed (welcome) greets you at the gates of the 10 Infantry Brigade headquarters, known as Kala Pahar (Black Mountain) Brigade here. Usually bustling with activities, it is desolated since Sunday morning, with soldiers withdrawing into the fortified bunkers.

A stream of local people, however, gathered outside the camp to listen to the latest about the fidayeen (suicide) attack that left 17 soldiers dead and over 20 injured. Over the clear sky, helicopters make frequent sorties – perhaps to evacuate injured soldiers to Srinagar.

"When firing started, my fear-stricken mother came to my room, saying shelling (which was a norm before 2002 border ceasefire) has again started. I ventured out and saw huge flames billowing out from a distance. Gunshots were getting severe by the minute. After namaz (prayer), I switched on the television and learned it was a fidayeen attack," said Sadiq Ali, a shopkeeper." This attack has happened after two years. The last one was on the Mohra camp in December 2014", said Shabir Ahmad, a local.

Nestled in the huge mountain and situated 18 km from the last post, Kaman Post or Aman Sethu, on the Indian side of the Line of Control, this picturesque camp houses several battalions, lush green golf courses, a helipad, a plush officers' mess and other administrative units.

However, one weak spot around the tents was exposed by the militants on Sunday. They breached from the rear side, which is the least protected. It houses administrative units, guarded by minimum soldiers. They targeted the camps and huts where soldiers who were readying to move into new shifts were stationed. "During this time, there is a little bit of laxity as one set of troops make way for another to hold positions," said an officer.

The tents located in the complex were to house additional troops inducted due to routine turnover of units. Sources said the Dogra regiment unit was to be replaced by a Bihar regiment unit when the fidayeen militants barged in and lobbed grenades and fired indiscriminately on the troops. The explosion caused fire to the tents, charring 14 out of 17 soldiers. The fire engulfed two nearby buildings, causing extensive damage.

In the last few years, Pakistan has adopted a new strategy of sending militants directly from the launch pads along the Line of Control and International Border to carry out sensational attacks. "The new strategy serves a dual purpose for the Pakistani military and intelligence establishment: One, security forces are bound to suffer casualties, and, second, such attacks raise the morale of the militants in Jammu and Kashmir," said an officer.

Uri is surrounded by the LoC from three sides. The LoC is just 4 km from the camp. There are dense forests, deep gorges and ravines en route. Sukhdar village is the only habitation near the LoC, connecting the camp. Housing around 100 families, the hamlet is divided by the border fence and the villagers have to cross the fence gates to reach the town.

"Troops suspect that the militants might have crossed the Mike Post on the LoC before trekking though these ravines and forests to the camp," said an official, well-versed with the topography of the area.

What gave credence to reports of fresh infiltration and a clear Pakistan hand was the recovery of some items with Pakistani markings.

The only place which was active in Uri was a small tea stall outside the camp. This tea stall, usually hosts people going to Muzaffarabad in the Karawan-e-Aman bus. It was doing brisk business on Sunday, serving onlookers.