Pathankot Attack: Parrikar Admits ‘Gaps’ in Security

Manohar Parrikar admits to plausible gaps in security at the Pathankot air base that led to the fateful attack.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Tuesday, admitted to “some gaps” that led to the terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base.

Addressing a press conference after a visit to the forward base, he said that six militants were neutralised in the operation that lasted for more than 36 hours since 3:30 am on Saturday but the combing operations are still on.

I see some gaps, but I do not think there is any compromise on security. Once the investigations are over, things will become clear.

Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister

He expressed worry as to how the militants had managed to come inside the base which has a perimeter of 24 kms and located in an area of about 2,000 acres.

“There is no suspected terrorist inside right now. (Still) I will not give a negative report till the combing operations are over”, he said.

Parrikar announced that all those seven security personnel killed during the attack will be treated as martyrs. This will entitle them to all the benefits available to “battle casualty” in war-like situation.

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