Bringing the curtains down on Day 4, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar yesterday said all six terrorists at the Pathankot air base have been killed, but admitted to “some gaps” in security that led to the terror attack in which some “Pakistan-made material” have been used
Pathankot: Bringing the curtains down on Day 4, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar yesterday said all six terrorists at the Pathankot air base have been killed, but admitted to “some gaps” in security that led to the terror attack in which some “Pakistan-made material” have been used.
ADVERTISEMENT
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a press conference in Pathankot yesterday. Pic/PTI
Addressing the media after a visit to the forward base, he said the terrorists were neutralised in an operation but combing operations are still on and may continue for a day or two.
“There is no suspected terrorist inside right now. (Still) I will not give a negative report till the combing operations are over,” he said.
Replying to questions on the reported security lapses, 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 something should be kept 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 24.7 km and located in an area of about 2,000 acres.
Combing ops
He said the combing operation is for safety purpose as there are live, unexploded bombs besides rest of the ammunition.
“Probably, they have brought high quality explosives,” Parrikar said.
He said that the terrorists were carrying AK47s, modified Under Grenade Barrel Launcher, pistols, swiss and commando knives, 40-50 kg of bullets besides 3-4 dozens of magazine and mortars.
Pakistani connect
Asked about the Pakistani connection, he said there are indications that some of the materials used by the terrorists were made in Pakistan.