Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the operation to kill the terrorists at the Pathankot airbase was carried out for longer hours because the government wished to crack down the terrorist with minimum possible casualties on the Indian side.

Speaking at a function here on Wednesday to release a special postal cover on Dharwmathala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, Parrikar said, saving the lives of the jawans was the priority of the government. Therefore, the armed forces were directed not to fight keeping the lives of the jawans at stake. It was the reason why the operation to crack down on the terrorists continued for nearly 38 hours, he said. 

Parrikar said, after Kashmir, the terrorists have targeted the airbase. However, the country is safe in the hands of this government.

Terrorist activities would be dealt with iron hands and a befitting reply would be given for attacks on the country. “Now, the situation is under control in Pathankot. That’s why I came here to participate in this function”,  Parrikar said.