 "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watching a presentation on counter-terrorist and combing operation by the Defence Forces, at Pathankot Airbase")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Pathankot airbase for a first-hand assessment of the situation a week after terrorists attacked it.
“Noted with satisfaction the decision-making & its execution, the considerations that went into our tactical response,” Modi later tweeted.
The prime minister’s visit follows widespread criticism by the opposition of the government’s “failure” in handling the assault. Modi also undertook an aerial survey of the areas along the Indo-Pak border and met family members of security personnel killed in the strike.
Air Force Chief Arup Raha and National Security Guard officials briefed the prime minister about the attack and the counter-offensive launched against the perpetrators. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Army Chief Dalbir Singh and the chiefs of the NSG and BSF were also present during the 90 minutes Modi spent at the airbase.
The prime minister was shown a huge cache of weapons recovered from the six terrorists. Officials of the NIA, which has taken over the probe into the attack, briefed Modi on the progress of their investigation.
“Was briefed in great detail on how our forces neutralised such a serious terrorist attack. Noted with satisfaction the decision-making & its execution, the considerations that went into our tactical response. Also noted coordination among various field units. Lauded bravery & determination of our men & women on the ground. They are our pride,” PM @narendramodi stated.
The Congress has been at the forefront of the attack on the government’s handling of the Pathankot assault, which dragged on for four days and led to the loss of lives of seven security forces personnel. “PM Modi diverted plane to Pakistan to greet Pak PM Nawaz Sharif on his b’day, but took 8 days to reach Pathankot!” the Congress tweeted on Saturday.
The party has questioned why Modi had not, despite overwhelming evidence, stated the terrorists that carried out the attack were from Pakistan. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had also visited the airbase on January 5 and admitted to gaps in security.
Sartaj Aziz, adviser to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on foreign affairs, on Friday said the meeting of foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India, scheduled on January 15, was on track.
New Delhi has linked the foreign secretary-level talks to Islamabad's prompt and decisive action on the Pathankot terror attack, for which it has provided actionable intelligence.
