Manohar Parrikar stopped short of saying the operation had ended, but Indian officials have said repeatedly that only six gunmen were involved. Seven Indian soldiers were killed during the attack.
Advertisement
Replying to questions on the reported security lapses, he said, “I see some gaps”. He noted that the base is large, and is wooded in some places, making it hard to pin down the gunmen.
According to the official who wished to remain anonymous, the Narendra Modi government has asked Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to raise the issue of Pathankot attack during his meeting with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry next Friday.
The Pakistani terrorists were heavily-armed which is reflected by the recoveries including AK-47 rifles, under barrel grenade launcher, pistols, knives and commando knives, 40 to 50 kgs of bullets and 3 to 4 dozens and mortar.
India claims the Mumbai attackers from the Islamist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT or Army of the Pure) group-based near the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore-were trained and launched by the ISI.
“Noting that the terror attack has been categorically condemned by Pakistan, the spokesperson said, “In line with Pakistan ” s commitment to effectively counter and eradicate terrorism, the Government is in touch with the Indian government and is working on the leads provided by it”. Pakistan denies that and says it only provides moral and diplomatic support.
Bilkulonline.com, New Delhi, Jan 5: Dialling Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Sri Lanka, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday promised “prompt and decisive action” against terrorist groups linked to the attack on the air base at Pathankot in Punjab.
Now, the obvious next step for Pakistan would be to take tangible action against the anti-India Kashmiri militant alliance, the United Jihad Council (UJC), which has said it carried out the assault.
“Through timely and prompt action by all agencies, the likely plan of the terrorists to destroy valuable assets of the Air Force has been foiled”, the Indian Defense Ministry had said in a statement at the time.
The base was hit in a dawn raid Saturday that triggered a 14-hour gun battle and there was more firing Sunday.
The Sena also said that if India does not avenge the Pathankot terror attack, then displaying its military and arms and ammunition strength on Republic Day would be futile.
“I informed the police as soon as I could”.
He further added that both incoming and out going calls were made to Pakistan and that Pathankot attack and was similar to Dinanagar Police station attack.
“We recognise there’s more everybody can do, not just Pakistan but every nation can do because it is a shared challenge and it’s a challenge, as you well know, that doesn’t necessarily observe borders and boundaries”.
“Pakistan will investigate in detail on the leads and information provided by the government of India”, it said.
The search operations at Pathankot air force base will continue until all areas have been completely secured, Maj.
Advertisement
It was not clear Monday whether any surviving attackers remained inside the base but troops were still searching. “We have already lost one person to a booby trap, so no more losses”, he said. Talks between their foreign secretaries are due on January 15.
