PM Modi happy with forces’ response

Soon after landing at the Pathankot airbase, targeted exactly a week ago in a pre-dawn attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met senior Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army officers. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Air Force and Army Chiefs. Elaborate security arrangements were in place in Pathankot for the visit.

The district administration and the Punjab police were kept out of the loop during Mr Modi’s visit to Pathankot.

The Prime Minister was taken around the airbase by defence and security officers. He spent about 90 minutes at the airbase and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and National Security Guard officials briefed him about the attack and the counter-offensive launched by the forces.

“Noted with satisfaction the decision-making & its execution, the considerations that went into our tactical response,” PMO tweeted after Mr Modi’s visit. “Also noted coordination among various field units. Lauded bravery & determination of our men & women on the ground. They are our pride,” another tweet said.

The Prime Minister visited the relevant sites on the airbase. National security adviser Ajit Doval, the chiefs of the NSG and the BSF were also present.

Before Mr Modi’s visit, security forces had on Friday declared the area fully sanitised and had also concluded their combing operation.

The PM also undertook an aerial survey of the forward positions along the India-Pakistan border. Reportedly, he also held a meeting with senior IAF, Army, BSF and Punjab police officials before going on the aerial survey in the Army’s attack copter.

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