Pathankot Day 4: Parrikar admits security lapses; Nawaz promises swift action

The operation against the terrorists at the air base entered its fourth day on Tuesday as security forces continued to carry out combing operations to smoke out any remaining terrorist. “Apart from the sad loss of the Garuda commando, Gursevak Singh, who was killed during the gunfight, terrorists were contained within 35 metres of the outer perimeter”.

The sprawling Pathankot air force base is spread over several kilometres, including some forested sections.

The areas adjoins air force housing where above 100 families of air force officials live and where there is school run for the children of air force personnel.

The visits come even as combing operations are on at the base.

“Combing operations are still on and may continue till tomorrow”, he added.

Addressing reporters at the base near the border with Pakistan, Parrikar said Indian security forces “have done an excellent job containing these highly motivated terrorists“. Security agencies got a fix on the group once they became active in the Jammu-Pathankot region, but their worry is not all have been netted. He said: “In security affairs, what happens to you matters a great deal”. “The building has suffered severe damage in the heavy military offensive. The combing operations may be over by Wednesday”, he said in reply to questions.

That the twin strikes at Pathankot and Mazar-e-Sharif were created to derail the dialogue process requires no second thought.

So far, Pakistan’s official response to Pathankot is predictable: Its condemnation of the attack and reaffirmation of Islamabad’s intention to join India in tackling terrorism. But yesterday, the United Jihad Council, an alliance of more than a dozen pro-Pakistan terror groups based in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claimed responsibility for the air base attack.

The terrorists infiltrated the base on Saturday, leading to fierce gun battle with security forces. “So it is about 36 hours”, Parrikar said when asked how effective the counter offensive of the security forces was.

The minister said the NIA had started investigation into the attack. It is being speculated that terrorists have sneaked into Delhi and are planning big attacks.

India has long maintained that talks and terror can not go together, but there had been a change in the stand when Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a dramatic visit to Lahore to wish his Pakistani counterpart on his birthday and attend his granddaughter’s wedding.