Defence minister Manohar Parrikar today confirmed that all the six terrorists who had attacked the Pathankot Air Force base have been neutralized by the security forces.
Addressing a press conference at Pathankot Air Force base after taking stock of the anti-terror operation, defence minister complimented the security forces for ensuring that there was no loss to any vital asset at the Air Force base.
Stating that there were no suspected terrorists inside Pathankot Air Force base, the defence minister said combing operations will continue for a day or two. NIA investigations will reveal who were behind the terror attack.
The defence minister announced that soldiers killed in Pathankot terror attack will get ‘battle casualty status’ and all its benefits.
Though officers there say all terrorists are dead, unexploded blinds (grenades or shells) which were left, defusing them caused intermittent explosion at the IAF base.
Operation was done without compromising any asset, strategic or otherwise. Mr. Parrikar said that only the Garud Commando’s death was an operational loss and that all deceased will be declared as martyrs and that state government has also announced compensation.
It has emerged that the militants hijacked a police officer’s car but that his call to a colleague, after he was dumped by the roadside, was not taken seriously. The National Investigation Agency, a central body set up to probe such cross-border attacks, is investigating the case.
The need of calling NSG was because of the threat to civilians was there.
Further, specific and actionable information regarding Pathankot attack has been provided to Pakistan. Pakistan will investigate leads and information provided by the government of India.
The United Jihad Council (UJC), an alliance of pro-Pakistan militant groups based in the Pakistani-administered part of the divided Kashmir region, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
It remains unclear exactly how the attackers infiltrated the fortified base, which has a 24-km (15-mile) perimeter surrounded by a 3-metre (10-foot) wall topped with concertina wire.
Investigations by the BSF and other central agencies have been started. Let’s just hope that no more casualties are reported and may god help the families of the victims to get over this worst incident.
