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Pathankot Attack: Sharif promises prompt, decisive action

In response, Modi emphasised on Pakistan to take firm and immediate action against individuals responsible or terrorists linked to Pathankot airbase attack.

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During the telephonic call, Modi pressed for urgent action against those responsible for the attack that began on Saturday last with six terrorists sneaking into the Air Base, leading to an encounter in which seven securitymen, including a Lt Colonel, were killed.

At least five militants were killed by security forces in a three-day gun battle.

There were reports that the attack may derail the talk between two nation which just started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to Pakistan on December 25.

He asserted that terrorists were trying to disrupt the efforts to bring peace between the two countries.

Pakistan Foreign Office has issued a statement in which they have assured that Pakistan is working on the evidences that India has provided.

He said the combing operation is for safety goal as there are live, unexploded bombs besides rest of the ammunition.

India’s Press Information Bureau said Pakistan had provided “specific and actionable” information on the attack.

Hopes for a thaw in relations were raised after Indian Premier Narendra Modi paid an unexpected visit to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif. Prime Minister conveyed his unhappiness and grief on the lack of lives within the Pathankot terror assault.

Sharad Kumar, chief of India’s National Investigation Agency, said telephone intercepts suggested the attackers were from Pakistan.

The Minister said: “I can see some gaps (related to security) which will be cleared after the investigation is over”.

The Pathankot attack was claimed Monday by the United Jihad Council, an umbrella group for jihadist outfits fighting in the Indian-controlled section of Kashmir. Praveen Swami, a veteran national security correspondent at the Indian Express newspaper, said in an interview that the operation pointed to “poor training of security personnel”.

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Officials said they had received intelligence about a possible attack and had beefed up security at the air field and repulsed the attackers before they reached any sensitive areas.

Indian security personnel check people entering an airbase in Pathankot India Monday Jan. 4 2016