In a virtual snub to the AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi who on Tuesday tried to give communal colour to the soldiers killed in the Sunjuwan military camp attack, Lieutant General Devraj Anbu, Commander of the Northern Command, reacted sharply on Wednesday saying that “we don’t communalise martyrs, those making statements don’t know the Army well”.

Owaisi had claimed that those questioning the loyalty of Muslims and referring to them as ‘Pakistani’ should take a lesson from Sunjwan attack as five out of the seven people killed there were Muslims.

“We (Muslims) are giving our lives but the terrorists are killing us too as they are not discriminating anybody on the basis of religion”.

While interacting with mediapersons after the Investiture Ceremony, Lt Gen Anbu said the ‘enemy’ is attacking softer targets as ty are failing at the borders. “The enemy is frustrated and is trying softer targets.

When they fail at borders they attack camps. All 3 terrorist groups – Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiyba (LeT)- are hand in glove. There’s no differentiation, they keep jumping from one outfit to other. Anyone who picks up a gun and is against the state, is a terrorist and we’ll deal with them,” he said.

Concerned over youngsters joining terror outfits, the GOC Northern Command said, “We need to address this trend. In 2017, we focused on terrorist leadership and eliminated it. Social media is also responsible for the increase in terror. It is engaging the youth on a large scale, and I think we need to focus on this issue.”

Earlier, Lt Gen Anbu presented gallantry awards to the officers and other ranks in a solemn and impressive Investiture Ceremony. He presented 39 Sena Medals (Gallantry) including two posthumous awards to the brave officers and soldiers for their exemplary act of bravery and valor.

The Army Commander also presented Unit Appreciation to 26 units for their overall outstanding performance in the Command Theatre in the year 2017. Lt Gen Anbu commended all ranks of Northern Command for their steadfastness, devotion and patriotic fervour. He specially complimented the parents and families of the award winners for having supported them in their endeavours.