AMN //
While lauding security forces for eliminating all terrorists who had targeted Pathankot Airbase, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today admitted that there were “some gaps” that led to the terror attack on the Air Force base.
Addressing a news conference after a visit to the forward base, he said the terrorists were neutralised in an operation that lasted for more than 36 hours since 3.30am on Saturday but combing operations are still on.
“There is no suspected terrorist inside right now. (still) I will not give a negative report till the combing operations are over. The combing operations may be over by tomorrow,” he said in reply to questions.
Defence minister said that all seven soldiers martyred during the operation to be treated as battle casualty and given all the honours due to them.
Parrikar congratulated security forces for containing terrorists in a corner & not allowing them to go beyond.
Parrikar said, everything will be clear after NIA completes the investigation. He indicated that some equipments used by terrorists were made in Pakistan.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said combing operation is still on in Pathankot and is expected to be finished by tomorrow. Addressing a press conference in Pathankot, Mr. Parrikar today said the National Security Guard will take a final call on calling off the operation after sanitizing the area. Mr Parrikar said, six terrorists have been neutralized. He said, there is no suspected terrorist inside right now.
Terming the operation as difficult, the Defence Minister lauded the security personnel for containing the highly-motivated terrorists. He said the National Investigation Agency has already started its investigation in the case. Replying to a query, Mr Parrikar said who was behind the terrorist attack will be unravel by the investigation. He informed that soldiers who laid their lives in the attack will get battle casualty status and all its benefits.
When asked about security lapses, Mr Parrikar said, some gaps related to security will be cleared after the investigation. He said the Border Security Force has already been asked to give details of areas from where terrorists could have entered.
He also said there are indications that some of equipment used by terrorists were made in Pakistan.