Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir had yesterday said in a written reply in Lok Sabha that "four Pakistan-based terrorists entered Punjab via Janial road, Dhusi turn, near Ravi river bridge, Gulpur Simli village- Akalgarh and attacked airforce station in Pathankot."
Border Security Force chief K K Sharma said there are many "variables" on the border, marked by riverine gaps and other unguarded patches and Pathankot could be one of those.
The DG added that due to riverine areas and other gaps in the undulating terrain on the border, it is "not possible to erect a fence" everywhere.
Putting an end to speculation about the number of terrorists involved in the Pathankot attack, Ahir's statement made it clear that only four militants had entered the airforce station to carry out the strike.
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The answer was seen as contrary to a statement made by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on March 4. He had said that charred remains, apart from four bodies of terrorists, were found at the debris after security forces searched the Pathankot airforce station when the operation ended.
He said the incidents of smuggling of fake Indian currency notes along the border, especially in the notorious Malda area, has "drastically" gone down post demonetisation.
Asked if hostilities could increase in the wake of new Pakistan Army chief taking over, he said it was a "million dollar question" to him too.
Sharma added that the 2.5-lakh personnel strong force is running a special financial literacy programme for its troops so that they can save and invest better for their future.
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