India will not count bullets while retaliating, if Pakistan fires first, Union Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday. His statement came a day after Lashkar-e-Taiba militants opened fire at a Central Reserve Police Force convoy, killing eight jawans and injuring more than 20 others, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore town on the outskirts of Srinagar.

"We will make sure not to fire the first bullet, but even if one bullet is fired from their [Pakistan's] side, we shouldn't even think about keeping a count on the bullets that we'll fire," he said, adding that he had given the orders after Pakistani Rangers killed five Indians a year and a half ago. Singh further praised the security forces who shot down two terrorists in the Pampore attack, reported NDTV.

Without naming Pakistan, the Union minister said, "An attempt is being made by these terrorists and our neighbouring country to destabilise India. I call upon Indian youth to stand up to face such forces, and we should greet and welcome the bravery of our security people and the way they are working with such valour and courage,” Singh said, adding that the Centre will set up a panel to look into Saturday's attack, The Hindu reported.