With seven security personnel being martyred, including Commonwealth Gold Medallist Fateh Singh and Garud Commando Gursevak Singh, the terror attack at Pathankot air base has exacted a heavy toll despite the advance information about it.
Just a day after New Year Celebrations , 6 terrorists had attacked the Indian Air force Base near PathanKot and holed up within a building.
Pathankot is the base for MiG-21 Bison fighters and Mi-35 attack helicopters and officials suspect that the terrorists were ordered to blow up aircraft stationed at the air base.
The gun-battle started at 3.30 am when the armed forces, who had secured the compound following advance information, and detected the advent of the terrorists even in pitch dark conditions with the help of aircrafts having thermal imaging capability which was co built by Israel. One of the infiltrators was shot dead as he was climbing over the 10 ft high concrete wall of the air base.
Earlier the infiltrators had attacked a Punjab Police officer and used his Car to reach Pathankot. The alarm had been raised after the terrorists used the phone of a Punjab police officer to contact their handlers. The calls had been intercepted by the security forces. Sources say the attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistan-based terror outfit that seeks independence for Kashmir. They are also blamed for the December 2001 attack on Parliament that killed 11 people.
Following the terror attacks, Security was increased both in Delhi and Mumbai. In Response to terror attacks, a Youth mob rioted in Punjab shouting anti-Pakistan Slogans. All roads leading to Pathankot was blocked. Trains arriving Delhi stations was checked by bomb squads following a rumour.
Rockets were fired by a Mi-35 attack helicopter to contain the terrorists in one area. Heavy armoured personnel carriers – which are bulletproof and mine-resistant vehicles to carry soldiers safely into operation areas — were used to close in on the spot where the terrorists were holed up.
24 hours later, an IED (improvised explosive device) exploded during the combing operation at the Air Force base in Pathankot taking the death toll of security men killed in the attack to six. On terrorist side, 4 infiltrators were confirmed dead, while two of them were still holed up. The area was under severe surveillance which was backed by National Security Guard and Army’s Special Forces on land. Few hours later, another infiltrator was confirmed dead.
With the attack coming roughly a week after PM Modi’s goodwill visit to Pakistan, opposition Congress said India should reassess its position on the neighboring country. Home minister Rajnath Singh assured that India wanted Peace but will always be ready to give a reply for such terror attacks. Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah called the attack “the first major challenge to PM Modi’s bold Pakistan gambit.”
At least twice over the weekend it appeared that the attack had ended but fresh gunfire and explosions erupted both times. The Home ministry assured that the vital air force assets MiG-21 Bison fighters and Mi-35 attack helicopters are safe.
Update : A fifth militant is confirmed dead on Monday evening. The combing operation is still on for Sixth Terrorist. Three people were arrested with arms, ammunition and a Pakistan Sim Card at Mohali.
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