Jaitley condemns Kathua attack, asks Pakistan to take steps to normalize ties with India

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley strongly criticized the militant attack that took place in Kathua and asked security forces to take appropriate steps to curtail any future attacks, as the same area has faced repeated attacks in the past.

"We strongly condemn the terrorist attack that have taken place in Kathua. They have a similar modus operandi where each time heavily armed militants come across the border donning army fatigues and strike us by hijacking a civilian vehicle. Then they snoop in on army camps and attack civilians. But if these types of attacks are taking place repeatedly then I believe that the army will take necessary steps and I pay my heartiest condolences to those families who have lost their lives in the attack," Jaitley said.

"If Pakistan wants to normalize relations with India, then they cannot allow their soil to be used to attack India," Jaitley added.

According to local media reports, four militants in combat uniform stopped a white Bolero a little after 5 a.m. and fired indiscriminately at the passengers sitting inside. They later hijacked the Bolero and fled from the spot.

Police and security forces have reportedly launched a search for the terrorists and the nabbed car.

The injured have been shifted to a government hospital in Jammu.

The attack took place near Hiranagar, close to an army area, and is just a few kilometres from international border.

Police suspect that the attack was carried out by the militants who sneaked in recently.

Hiranagar was the place attacked in September last year by three militants. Then, four people were killed and two were injured.