Defence Minister admits gaps in security as Pathankot op ends, 6 terrorists killed

Pathankot: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday admitted to "some gaps" that led to the terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in which all the six infiltrators, who used some "Pakistan- made" equipment, have been killed.

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 3.30 am on Saturday but combing operations are still on.

"There is no suspected terrorist inside right now. 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.

Read:

Pathankot attack: How NSG commandos used smart weapons to combat terrorists

Defence Minister meets kin of soldiers killed in Pathankot attack

5 terrorists neutralised so far in Pathankot

Talks hinge on Pakistan taking action

Pathankot terror attack: NIA takes over probe, registers three cases to investigate conspiracy

Parrikar announced that all those seven security personnel killed during the attack will be treated as martyrs that will entitle them to all the benefits available to "battle casualty" like in war-like situation.

He said the terrorists were carrying 40-50 kgs of bullets, mortars, which were fired from modified Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher besides some magazines.

Replying to questions, he said "I see some gaps. But I do not think there is any compromise on security. Once the investigations are over, things will become clear,” he said, adding every security detail cannot be discussed and keep something for investigation.

Parrikar said that he was worried as to how the terrorists had managed to come inside the base which has a perimeter of 24 kms and located in an area of about 2,000 acres.

Also read:

Pathankot terror attack: They came back to kill me, says policeman abducted by militants

Pathankot terror attack: Punjab seeks more BSF troops along border

Hit exposes huge lapses in security

Jaish-e-Mohammed may strike Delhi, take hostages: Intel

"Five Defence Securiuty Corps personnel died because more of a bad luck. One of them Jagdish Chandra virtually grappled with the terrorist before killing him," he said hailing them as martyrs who made their supreme sacrifice. 

The information and leads, like the Pakistani numbers which the attackers had called and their intercepts, are understood to have been passed on by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The attackers had reportedly made several calls to Pakistan, some of them brief and some long.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Monday night said it is working on the "leads" provided by India on the terror attack.

Extending Pakistan's deepest condolences to the Government and people of India on the "unfortunate terrorist incident" in Pathankot, a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We understand the pain of many families who have lost their dear ones in this tragedy, as Pakistan itself is a major victim of terrorism."

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."

The statement, however, did not give details of the "leads" provided by India. It also said that India and Pakistan should remain "committed" to a sustained dialogue process.

"Living in the same region and with a common history, the two countries should remain committed to a sustained dialogue process," it said, adding, "The challenge of terrorism calls for strengthening our resolve to a cooperative approach."