Srinagar, Feb 14: While addressing the press on the Sunjwan camp attack — which left seven soldiers dead — on Wednesday, the Indian Army condemned those attempting to tag a communal identity to the martyrs.

"We don't communalise martyrs. Those making statements don't know the Army well," said Lt Gen Devraj Anbu, GOC Northern Command.

His remarks came a day after Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised apprehensions over the alleged lack of recognition accorded to five Kashmiri Muslim soldiers — part of the J&K Light Infantry Brigade — who were killed in the terror attack on Saturday.

Owaisi asked why has Prime Minister Narendra Modi not tweeted to honour their martyrdom. "The RSS, the BJP and their glorified anchors on TV often call Muslims anti-national. Why are they silent now," the AIMIM chief further added, while addressing a gathering in his constituency on Tuesday.

Owaisi also demanded a public apology from BJP MP Vinay Katiyar who recently pitched for the deportation of Muslims to either Bangladesh or Pakistan. The party, however, was quick to sideline itself from Katiyar's views.

Defence expert Raj Kandyan expressed disappointment over the issue, saying, "It is unfortunate that a sitting Army commander has to issue a justification."

BJP MLA from J&K Ravinder Raina accused the AIMIM of politicising the forces. "Mr Owaisi should refrain from dragging the Army into his politics. As far as Muslims ar concerned, they are as much Indians as the Hindus, Sikhs and members of other religions," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2018 01:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).