1st LD Writethru: UN chief slams deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned a deadly militant attack in Uri, India-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and voiced his hope that "the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice."

The secretary-general, in a statement issued here by his spokesman, expressed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and to the government of India.

"He wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," the statement said. "The secretary-general hopes that the perpetrators of this crime will be identified and brought to justice."

At least 17 Indian troopers were killed and more than 20 others wounded in a suicide attack on Sunday on an Indian military base near the Line of Control dividing Kashmir, reports said, adding that four militants, believed to have carried out the attack, were also killed in a retaliatory assault inside the base.

The attack took place at the garrison town of Uri in frontier Baramulla district, about 109 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"The United Nations is following developments closely and shares the concerns of people living in the region for peace," said the statement. "The secretary-general hopes that all involved will prioritize the re-establishment of stability and prevent any further loss of life."

"The secretary-general encourages all stakeholders to meet their respective responsibilities to maintain peace and stability," the statement added.

The attack came at a time when Indian-controlled Kashmir is grappling with violent unrest. The region has been witnessing the largest protests in recent years since July 8, following the killing of a militant commander in a gunfight with Indian troops. Endi