PM Lauds Brave Forces for Pathankot Response

Pathankot, Jan 9 (IANS) 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".

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

The prime minister, who arrived here on Saturday 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).

Soon after landing at the air base, targetted exactly a week ago in a pre-dawn attack, 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 air base during the visit.

"Visited Pathankot air base today. Had a detailed briefing from senior leadership of Army, Air Force, NSG & BSF," Modi tweeted.

"Was briefed in great detail on how our forces neutralised such a serious terrorist attack," he said.

"Also noted coordination among various field units. Lauded bravery & determination of our men & women on the ground. They are our pride," he added.

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.

he prime minister was taken around the air base by the defence and security officers.

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

Six terrorists and seven security personnel were killed in the attack.

Security forces repulsed the attack and the terrorists were unable to harm any of the IAF's critical assets, including fighter aircraft and attack helicopters.