Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a two-day visit to Karnataka participated in the centenary celebrations of Jagadguru Shivaratri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur Math on Saturday evening.
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi said work of saints, seers and rishis had always been for the welfare of society.
The seers and saints do not tomtom about their efforts as they feel it was part of their duty to work for the welfare of the society, he said during his visit to Avadhoota Datta Peetham, an ashram founded by Sree Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji.
Not overlooking the Pathankot attack earlier on the wee hours of Saturday morning, the PM said he was proud of the services made by the armed forces:
Proud of our Jawans and security forces: PM @narendramodi in Mysuru
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 2, 2016
Taking a strong stance, he said, “Enemies of humanity can’t see India develop, such elements attacked in Pathankot but our forces did not let them succeed.”
WATCH: ‘Enemies of humanity attacked #Pathankot Air Base but our forces did not let them succeed’,says PM Modi https://t.co/enMWc4qEPG
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 2, 2016
He further boosted moral by saying that India’s security forces are more than capable to deal with any challenges and will give a befitting reply to those who attack her soveriegnty.
Our security forces are more than capable of giving a fitting reply to these elements-PM Modi on #Pathankot pic.twitter.com/VGKJ1XTArm
— ANI (@ANI_news) January 2, 2016
ALSO READ: Pathankot Attack: 5 Terrorists Killed, 3 Security Personnel Martyred In IAF Base Attack
Earlier, the IAF said that timely intelligence and prompt action has foiled the likely plan of terrorists to destroy its valuable assets at the Pathankot air base.
The Pathankot IAF facility, located about 40 kms away from the border with Pakistan, is the base of MiG-21 fighter planes and Mi-25 attack helicopters of Air Force.
“Intelligence inputs had been available of a likely attempt by terrorists to infiltrate into the military installation in Pathankot area. In response, preparatory actions had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to thwart any such attempt,” it said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to issue his statement:
I congratulate our armed forces and other security forces on successfully neutralising all the five terrorists in ‘Pathankot Operation’.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 2, 2016
We have also lost security personnel in Pathankot attack. My heartfelt condolences to their families.We can never forget their sacrifice.
— Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) January 2, 2016
Rajnath Singh did not rule out the possibility of involvement of Pakistan-based JeM terror outfit in the attack.
“The case will be probed by the NIA but the possibility of JeM being behind the attack cannot be ruled out,” he said.
In the wake of the attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar cut short his stay in Goa and returned to Delhi where he held a high level meeting which was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and three Service chiefs.
“Through timely and prompt action by all agencies, the likely plan of the terrorists to destroy valuable assets of the Air Force has been foiled,” IAF said in a statement after the meeting.
The terrorists could not go beyond the ‘langar’ (eating place) near the outer perimeter of the IAF complex as the security forces were ready to take them on, officials said about the operation which was supervised directly by Doval.
(With agencies input)