Pathankot attacks: Security lapses proved fatal

Even as the government and its security paraphernalia patted its own back for thwarting a terror attack that could have been much worse, questions remain unanswered as to how a team of six heavily armed JeM fidayeens or more could cross over the international border and sneak right into strategic Pathankot airbase without being challenged.

The terrorists apparently sneaked into the India on the intermittent night of December 30-31 from riverine border of tributaries of Beas river near Bamiyal village of Pathankot. The crucial border area that has been used previously for infiltration is managed by the border security force (BSF).

But the daring successful infiltration attempt scoffs at the notion of high vigil maintained with the help of thermal imaging cameras that can pick movement at night and innumerable number of border outposts posted with round the clock vigil.

"If we go by the book, given the amount of money that is being spent to guard the western border with all the high security gadgets and men, the infiltration of a minimum of six fidayeens is a slap on our vigilance standards. There is an apparent need to pull up those who are responsible to guard the border," said a former senior BSF official, on condition of anonymity.

Besides thermal imaging cameras, hi-definition fitted drones are also used to guard the border for against possible infiltration attempts along the riverine patches where heavy undergrowth blurs the normal view.

The infiltration also raises a serious question mark if the security agencies are turning a blind eye on the use of the route that is used by Punjab's strong drug cartel.

"What was the police doing all the while when terrorists using the SP's SUV were crossing one barricade after the other? Wasn't their duty to check the identity of all passengers before allowing the ill-fated vehicle to cross over as they are the first responder? These questions also need answers," said a senior intelligence official.

Sources said that the Pathankot attack that caught the agencies napping will force the government to review the security arrangements that are currently in place and also to re-look at the standard operating procedures that are followed by various agencies, including the BSF.