Pathankot: Working on Leads, Want to Sustain Dialogue Says Pak
Fresh gunshots heard from inside the Indian Airforce Base in Pathankot.
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- NIA to handle Pathankot air base attack case.
- India to share details of terror attack handlers with Pak on next meeting
- India “mulling options” on Foreign Secretary level talks with Pakistan in Islamabad.
- United Jihad Council claims responsibility for the attack, but Indian govt rubbishes the claim.
- Combing ops to go on; Pathankot discussed in National Security Council Meet
Pakistan says that it is working on leads provided by India, and that the country is committed to sustained dialogue, according to NDTV.
Maharashtra on High Alert
Maharashtra government has beefed up security at vital installations in Mumbai, places of worship and those frequented by tourists as per instructions from the Union Home ministry in the wake of the Pathankot Air base attack in Punjab.
Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary (Home) K P Bakshi said that “We will augment resources if required.” (PTI)
Pakistan Links Exposed?
CNN IBN reports on the masterminds behind the Pathankot air base terror attacks. Two men named Hafiz Shakur and Kaasim Jaan gave instructions to the terrorists to go ahead with the gun battle.
This clearly established the Pakistan links in the Pathankot air base attack. Another major handler of this terror attack is Maulana Ashfaq Ahmed. Ahmed is the most important man in the militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, after founder Maulana Masood Azhar.
Ahmed singlehandily revived the outfit after it was banned in 2001.
India May Share Terrorist Details With Pak
Details of phone call records of terrorists, who attacked the Pathankot air base, mobile numbers of their handlers based in Pakistan and proof that they came from across the border are expected to be shared with the neighbouring country when officials of the two sides meet in near future.
Government officials said that whenever the two sides meet, be it at the Foreign Secretary-level or in National Security Advisor - level, all proof of Pakistani links of the terrorists would be given for action.
The call details of the phone used by the terrorists, number of their handler in Pakistan would certainly be shared with the neighbouring country in the next available opportunity for taking action against them, officials said.
How Did the Terrorists Carry On?
The terrorist had snatched at least four mobile phones after hijacking the vehicle of Punjab Police SP Salwinder Singh, his jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and Singh’s cook and at least two of these phones were used to call their handlers in Pakistan.
The infiltrators also used two Pakistani SIMs to call their handlers, suspected to be based in Bahawalpur in Pakistan Punjab.
Security agencies are also trying to find out the antecedents of the terrorists who were killed in the operations so that their details could also be shared with Pakistan, sources said. (PTI)
NIA DG Meets J&K Guv
In the follow-up to NIA handling the Pathankot air base
attack case, a 20-member team of the agency led by an IG ranking officer has
been camping at Pathankot since January 2, 2016 to supervise the on-going
investigations.
An officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police appointed as the Chief Investigating Officer of the cases.
The director general of the NIA called on Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, at the Raj Bhavan here and discussed various issues related to the security situation in the state.
Intermittent Firing Heard
After a brief lull, intermittent firing was heard at the Pathankot Air Force base reports ANI. A tweet by the Times of India suggests that the firing might not be from fidayeen.
Two Terrorists Spotted
Two terrorists were spotted in the Pathankot air base, according to the Times of India. The combing operation is still continuing and has crossed more than 60 hours. The gun battle is on and as per what the NSG claimed, five terrorists were killed by the security forces.
NIA to Handle Pathankot Case
The Pathankot air base case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency has registered three separate FIRs in connection with kidnapping of the SP by the militants and murder of SP’s driver by the militants among others.
Afghan President Calls up Modi, Condemns Pathankot Attack
Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condemned the “cross-border” terrorist attack in Pathankot and extended condolences at the loss of lives in it.
Ghani also briefed Modi about the situation of the Indian Consulate which was attacked in Mazar-e-Sharif.
Modi thanked Ghani for his support. (PTI)
Pakistan Must Act if Terrorists are Pakistani: Dawn Editorial
Pakistan should take “reciprocal steps” if it is proved that Pakistanis were involved in the terror attack on the IAF base in Punjab, an editorial in Pakistan’s leading newspaper Dawn said on Monday. For more read here.
‘Combing Ops To Continue Due to Air Base Magnitude’
Major Dushyant Singh, IG (Operations), National Security Guard (NSG) confirmed that they have gunned down the fifth terrorist. So, the reports claiming six terrorists being killed are false. Singh further said that the combing operation will go on till the Pathankot air base is safe.
“All strategic assests of the Indian Air Force are safe,” said the NSG official at the press conference.
Pathankot Discussed in National Security Council Meeting
Union finance Minister Arun Jaitley said a National Security Council meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 11 AM on Monday where Pathankot terror attack was discussed along with Mazar-e-sharif, Pathankot terror attack and North East earthquake.
Jaitley said that the “main aim of terrorists was to harm strategic assets in Pathankot. This was a suicide squad and they were well trained.” He also said that the attack was a fidayeen one.
The combing operation of the air base is still on and given the magnitude (circumference of the air base is 24 kilometres), it is likely to continue.
Recent reports suggest the new found friendship between India and Pakistan might be affected. However, Jailtey stopped shy of commenting on it. He simply said, “Let operation get over then Government will take a view.”
Pak-Backed UJC Claims Responsibility, Govt Rubbishes
Pakistan-backed United Jihad Council (UJC)‘s ‘Highway Squad’
has claimed responsibility for the terror attack, TV reports suggested. UJC operates from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and is headed by terrorist Syed Salahuddin.
However, government sources have rubbished the claim. The sources further said that UJC’s claim is meant to divert attention and is a “deflectionary statement by Pakistan.” Sources also added that UJC is an ISI arm and that India has proof of JeM’s hand in this attack.
India ‘Mulling Options’ on Foreign Secretary Talks With Pakistan
India is “mulling options” with regard to the Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan scheduled to be held in Islamabad on January 15, in light of the terror attack at Pathankot air base.
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Islamabad on January 14 to hold discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry to chalk out a roadmap to carry forward the engagement under the newly-announced “Bilateral Comprehensive Dialogue”.
However, official sources on Monday said the government was “mulling options” with regard to the Islamabad meeting.
There has been speculation that the talks may be deferred and that the National Security Advisors of the two countries may meet to discuss the situation arising out of the Pathankot terror strike suspected to have been carried out by Pakistani terrorists. (PTI)
Ghulam Nabi Azad Slams Centre Over Its ‘Weak-Kneed Pak Policy’
Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday attacked the NDA Government over what he alleged “flip-flops” and “weak-kneed Pakistan policy” in the wake of Pathankot terror strike and suggested that the Centre should revisit its foreign policy towards Islamabad.
Condemning the “dastardly and gruesome” terror attack “carried out by Pakistan-backed” terrorists at Pathankot air base in Punjab, Azad came down heavily on the neighbouring country and its “terror sponsoring” network.
He said that such dastardly acts are not going to cow us down or shake “our resolve” as a nation to combat and counter the evil designs of terror spreading networks. (PTI)
Another Terrorist Killed, Combing Ops On: Media Reports
Top Government sources have said that one of the terrorists who was holed up in the Pathankot air base till now has been killed, PTI reports.
Top government sources said the neutralised terrorist was one of the two who were hiding in a two-storey building, a living accommodation for the personnel.
Still there is no clarity on the exact number of terrorists involved in the attack and whether the terrorist eliminated on Monday was the fifth or the sixth terrorist to be neutralised since Saturday when the terror attack began.
According to Times Now, six terrorists have been neutralised and the combing operations may continue for 48 hours. The TV channel also said that the Indian Air Force will order a probe into the Pathankot attack.
China Condemns Pathankot Attack
Condemning the terror attack on the Pathankot air force base, on Monday China said it may have been launched “intentionally” to disrupt the momentum in Indo-Pak ties, which have shown “signs of improvement”.
Noting that there were “signs of improvement” in India-Pakistan relations, which is welcomed by all sides, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying also hoped that the two countries should continue the talks despite the attack.
“India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia. The improvement of relations between the two countries is of paramount importance to regional peace and stability. China hopes that India and Pakistan can enhance their cooperation and dialogue regardless of these disruptions,” she said. (PTI)
3 Youths Arrested in Mohali, Weapons Seized
PTI reports that three men have been arrested in Mohali, near Chandigarh. The police, who arrested them on a tip-off, have not ruled out a potential link “with Pakistan terror elements.” The police claim that they seized mobile SIM cards, two AK-47 rifles and five pistols.
The arrests come even as the operation to sanitise the Pathankot air base has entered its third day.
Police officer GS Bhullar said that “they (the arrested men) had links with smugglers across the border, and many cases of murder are lodged against them. However, there was no report of them being in touch with extremists. They are smugglers who also kidnapped for ransom.”
Bhullar added further that “the three notorious criminals arrested with a Pak sim are Gurjan Singh, Sandeep Singh and Jitender Singh.”
Fifth Terrorist Eliminated, Reports ANI
According to ANI, the fifth terrorist has been eliminated, while the search for the sixth is on. At noon, the National Security Guard (NSG) had confirmed that four terrorists have been killed.
NSG Lt Col’s Body Taken to Kerala
Lt. Col Niranjan’s body is being taken to his hometown in Palakkad, Kerala from Bengaluru.
NSA’s China Trip Cancelled
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to China from Tuesday for talks with top Chinese leaders has been put off in the wake of the attack by Pakistani militants on a key Air Force base in Pathankot.
Chinese and Indian officials on Monday said the visit was postponed due to the Pathankot incident. Indian officials said Doval’s visit will be rescheduled.
Doval, who is also the Special Representative for Sino-India boundary talks, was due to arrive here tomorrow on a two-day visit during which he was scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi on key bilateral issues, including the border dispute.
He was also due to meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. (PTI)
Occasional Firing Heard
Occasional sound of firing could be heard from inside as search and combing operations by security forces continues at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base.
Combined Forces Press Briefing
- Four terrorists have been eliminated, two are still holed up. Process of eliminating two terrorists in its last stage: NSG
- Pathankot operation might take longer as families and kids are inside the air base.
- All personal and strategic assets like helicopters are secure and safe. Security of assets is the primary concern: NSG
- Joint operation conducted with effective synergy: Air Force
- The area of the air base is very large and given the personnel and strategic assets that are in place, combing ops are currently on.
- NSG is cooperating with Garuds over the operation to eliminate the holed-up terrorists.
- The terrorists have come heavily armed and with the aim to target the air base.
- Terrorists were holed up in building which was living quarters of Air Force personnel.
- Army was on alert as intelligence input indicated a possible attack on January 2.
Parrikar Briefs Modi on Pathankot Incident
PM Narendra Modi meets Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and MEA at 7 Race Course Road. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is also present at the meeting. Parrikar is briefing Narendra Modi on the Pathankot incident.
Mopping Operation Continues at Pathankot Air Base
Search and combing operation by security forces continued at the Indian Air Force (IAF) base on Monday morning, over 52 hours after terrorists attacked the frontline air base in Pathankot.
NSG and Army commandos conducted a thorough mopping of the entire area where the terrorists, suspected to be from Pakistan, had been cornered, police said.
Gunshots were heard from inside the Indian Airforce Base in Pathankot at 8am on Monday morning. Officials said this firing could be linked to the mopping operation.
Garud Commando Gursewak Singh’s Body Brought to Ambala
We Will Give Compensation: Karnataka CM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays tribute to NSG Lt Col Niranjan at Bengaluru’s BEL Ground.
Students Pay Tribute to Lt Col Niranjan
Fresh gunshots were heard from inside the Indian Airforce Base in Pathankot at 8am on the third day of the attacks.
Lt Col Niranjan’s Body Brought to Bengaluru Residence
The mortal remains of NSG Lt Col Niranjan, who lost his life in Pathankot attack, was brought to his Bengaluru residence.
Read: A Tribute to the Fallen Heroes of the Pathankot Air Base Attack
His last rites will be performed in his hometown in Palakkad, Kerala, today. In a tweet, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said:
Pathankot Attack: What We Know So Far
- Security forces on Sunday nailed two more terrorists who attacked the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot along with four others.
- According to the Union Home Ministry, the death of only four terrorists has been confirmed, while the status of the other two is still unclear.
- The two terrorists were discovered on Sunday morning when fresh firing was reported again at Pathankot air base.
- Seven security personnel, including one officer of the National Security Guard, were killed in the counter-offensive against the terrorists.
- A final combing operation was in progress on Sunday night.
- The terrorists are suspected to be from Pakistan.
- The terrorists failed to destroy IAF assets due to timely action by security forces, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said on Sunday.
- PM Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review situation with the NSA, Foreign Secretary and other officials.
- The body of slain NSG officer Lt. Col. Niranjan Kumar will be taken to his hometown near Pallakad in Kerala on Monday for the last rites.
- Delhi was put on high alert as intelligence sources said, “Terrorist outfit Jaish-E-Mohammed is planning to carry out an attack in the city”.
Names of Those Martyred in the Attack
- Corporal Gursewak Singh (Garud)
- LNK Phoolwant
- Subedar Fateh Singh
- Sep Sanjeev Kumar
- Sep Jagdish Chand
- Havildar Kulwant Singh
- Lieutenant Colonel Niranjan (NSG)
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