The attack – a rare targeting of an Indian military installation outside disputed Kashmir – may have been meant to undermine improving relations with Pakistan after a landmark visit to the country by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.
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Japan and France on Tuesday joined other countries in condemning the attack at the Pathankot air base in which seven securitymen were killed.
A report on The Hindustan Times claims India shared with Pakistan the intercepts of calls made to Pakistan-based handlers by the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack that started Saturday morning, but Sharad Kumar, chief of India’s National Investigation Agency, said a preliminary investigation based on telephone intercepts suggested the attackers were from Pakistan. Three days of heavy gunfire followed as India troops battled the gunmen.
A final decision on the talks, scheduled for January 15, is expected to be taken after security forces have completed their operation at the Pathankot Air Base, near the Pakistan border, the source said, requesting anonymity.
The attackers had crossed over from Pakistan and the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed may be responsible, according to India’s Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.
Statement of the Indian foreign ministry.
“Pathankot air base attack has been carried out by the mujahideen associated with National Highway Squad”, a spokesman for UJC Syed Sadaqat Hussain said.
The Sena also said that had the Congress been in power today, there would have been demands to strike at Pakistan and avenge the deaths of soldiers, but now nothing is being done about the incident. Indian officials say they will continue sweeping the area for any potential remaining militants until they are sure it is secure.
Addressing a press briefing Qazi Khalilullah said that Pakistan itself is victim of terrorism and can feel the pain of tragedy faced by the affected families.
“The challenge of terrorism calls for strengthening our resolve to a co-operative approach”, the statement issued Monday said.
India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the insurgents, a charge Islamabad denies, and the attack is being viewed as a possible attempt to unravel recent progress in their relationship.
The phone call from Sharif came as the Pakistan link to the attack became clear.
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She said Pakistan must stop being seen on the side of the alleged attackers.
