PM Modi reviews security at terror-hit Pathankot airbase, lauds India's tactical response to attackers

Pathankot: Brushing aside criticism over the handling of the counter-offensive againt the terrorist attack on the Pathankot IAF base, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who flew in here on Saturday, a week after the attack, said that he was satisfied with the "decision-making and its execution".

The Prime Minister, who arrived here today morning, was briefed by senior defence and security officers about the terrorist attack, carried out by suspected Pakistani terrorists, on the Pathankot Air Force Station (AFS).

PM Modi spent about 90 minutes at the air base during which he was briefed about the attack and security measures put in place at the facility in its wake.

In a series of tweet, PMO described about Narendra Modi's visit to Pathankot air base:

"Noted with satisfaction the decision-making & its execution, the considerations that went into our tactical response," Modi tweeted through his PMO India Twitter handle.

Visited Pathankot air base today. Had a detailed briefing from senior leadership of Army, Air Force, NSG & BSF: PM pic.twitter.com/S6JngIopcY

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 9, 2016

Was briefed in great detail on how our forces neutralised such a serious terrorist attack: PM @narendramodi after visiting Pathankot

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 9, 2016

Noted with satisfaction the decision-making & its execution, the considerations that went into our tactical response: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 9, 2016

Also noted coordination among various field units. Lauded bravery & determination of our men & women on the ground. They are our pride: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 9, 2016

As per a PMO tweet, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of Pathankot today.

Soon after landing at the airbase, targetted exactly a week ago in a pre-dawn attack, PM Modi met senior Indian Air Force (IAF) and army officers.

Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The Indian Army chief, General Dalbir Singh, and the IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha were also present at the airbase during the visit.

Tight security arrangements were in place for the prime minister's visit. No one was allowed to enter the area near the Air Force Station (AFS), located 250 km from Chandigarh.

Since the base is a frontline and sensitive one, no live telecast of the visit was allowed. The media were kept away from the airbase.

Security forces had yesterday declared the sprawling Air Force station fully sanitised after a massive combing operation spanning over three days.

Six terrorists, believed to owe allegiance to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed were gunned down by the security forces after a four-day gun battle.

Seven Indian security personnel also lost their lives. The operation to ensure that no terrorist was hiding was carried out jointly by Army, NSG and IAF's Garud commandos. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had also visited the base on January five.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had called up his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and promised action against the perpetrators of the brazen attack.

(With Agency inputs)