Pakistan PM calls Modi on airbase attack, promises action against possible perpetrators

He said Indian leadership has not levelled any allegation on Pakistan regarding the Pathankot airbase terror attack.

Guns had fallen silent on Tuesday morning at the air base here even as the operation against terrorists entered its fourth day with security personnel engaged in search and combing operations to sanitise the installation.

The government of Pakistan has said publicly and privately that it is not going to discriminate among terrorist groups as part of its counter-terrorism operation, the U.S. official said.

Air force spokeswoman Rochelle D’Silva said on Tuesday “there has been no firing since Monday night at the base” near the border with Pakistan. Seven Indian soldiers were killed during the attack.

India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday told journalists that “all six terrorists were neutralised”. Behind him is Indian air force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. We condemn the terrorist attack. He noted that the base is large, and is wooded in some places, making it hard to pin down the gunmen.

The attack took place despite early intelligence warnings. Security forces worked Monday to “eliminate” two remaining militants.

He said the terrorists were carrying 40-50 kgs of bullets, mortars, which were fired from modified Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher besides some magazines.

The US has said it expects Pakistan to act in bringing to justice the perpetrators of the Pathankot attack and asked Islamabad to live up to its pledge that it will not “discriminate” among terror groups.

“Specific and actionable information in this regard has been provided to Pakistan”, Mr Modi was quoted by the Indian external affairs ministry to have told Mr Sharif. Pakistan denies the claim.

During the telephonic conversation, Mr Modi called for “firm and immediate action” against those involved in the Pathankot strike.

“Pakistan will investigate in detail on the leads and information provided by the government of India”, Sharif was quoted by Radio Pakistan as saying.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “chai” (tea) with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif cost the nation 7 martyrs. Pakistan has condemned the attack and said it wanted to build on the goodwill created by the impromptu meeting between Modi and Sharif last month. “By accusing Pakistan for every attack, India neither succeeded in past to malign the Kashmir freedom struggle nor will it get anything in future through malicious propaganda”, the spokesman reportedly said. Pakistan denies that and says it only provides moral and diplomatic support.