Pathankot attack: Indian Army ready to respond to any national security threats, says chief Dalbir Singh

Singh defended the deployment of the National Security Guard on ground for the operation. "NSG is the best force to deal with hostage situation, was a good decision," he said.

By: Express Web Desk

New Delhi | Updated: January 13, 2016 03:29 PM IST

3 min read

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Indian Army Chief Dalbir Singh was speaking at the annual press conference in the capital. (File/PTI Photo)

Praising the Indian Army and security forces for the effective Pathankot counter-attack operations, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on Saturday said that increasingly the security environment facing the nation is becoming more complex and dynamic.

Speaking at an annual press conference in the capital, Singh said, “I assure nation that your Army is highly motivated and ready to respond to any threats to our national security. It was a good operation. To ensure less casualties we had to take time to complete operation.”

READ: Probing the Pathankot terror attack: An Indian Express series

When questioned about the involvement of NSG in Pathankot attack, Singh defended their deployment on ground. “NSG is the best force to deal with hostage situation, was a good decision,” he said. “We have recovered weapons with markings from Pakistan. NIA is still investigating, they will inform further,” he added.

Rejecting criticism of poor coordination among various security agencies involved in the operation, Singh said there was no lack of coordination. “Pathankot operation delay best left to local commander and their liberty,” he said.

READ: Terrorists hid overnight in airbase shed

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that there is no reason to distrust Pakistan’s promise of cracking down on perpetrators of the Pathankot terror attack. “Pakistan government has assured that it will take effective action. I think we should wait,” Singh told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Greater Noida. “There is no reason to distrust (avishwaas) them (Pakistan) so early,” he had said.

READ: No reason to distrust Pakistan so early: Rajnath Singh on Pathankot probe

A group of six suspected Pakistani terrorists crossed the border and infiltrated the strategic Pathankot air force base on January2, 2016 killing seven soldiers before being shot down by security forces.

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