Rajnath confirms Gurdaspur attackers came from Pakistan

Vibha Sharma & Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 30

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today told the Rajya Sabha that the terrorists who attacked the Dinanagar police station in Gurdaspur on July 27 had infiltrated from Pakistan. Even Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the evidence overwhelmingly concluded that the attack was orchestrated from across the border.

* Pakistan regrets Indian remarks

In the House, Singh lauded the efforts of the Punjab police for engaging the terrorists effectively. “The Punjab police engaged the terrorists effectively and made all efforts to apprehend them and prevent their escape and minimise collateral damage. In the end, all three terrorists were neutralised in this successful operation,” he said. The Union Home Minister also made a special mention of Gurdaspur SP Baljeet Singh, who, he said, was martyred while “leading from the front”.

He listed the point of infiltration at a location north of the Ravi — a segment largely unfenced due to fast flowing rivulets. It is the “soft underbelly” of Punjab. A fence cannot be set up as it will be washed away. Strong water current in the monsoon prevent patrolling operations, leaving it for visual eye contact using night vision goggles.

Singh promised to do everything possible to prevent cross-border terrorism, “Any effort by the enemies of our nation to undermine India’s territorial integrity and security or imperil the safety and security of our citizens will meet an effective and forceful response from our security forces... the government has been and will remain resolute,” he said. On July 27, Singh had said: “I want to tell our neighbour that we want the first to attack or fire, but if challenged, will give a befitting reply”. But while he made the significant revelation linking Pakistan to what is easily Punjab’s worst terror attack in past many years, he was barely audible in the House as Congress leaders continued to raise slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue of sacking of ministers. Requests from the Chair and the government to maintain peace went unheeded. The House was adjourned till tomorrow.

Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien strongly disapproved the Congress’ behavior, saying it was “not politics” but a “statement on a terrorist attack” concerning the security of the country which was being discussed. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also slammed the Congress for being “irresponsible”.