Put credible policy in place for drone attacks, Congress tells Centre

Surjewala said the Centre needs to act on the strategic advice of experts instead of focusing on 'headlines management'

The Congress on Tuesday said a credible and comprehensive policy and measures are the need of the hour to tackle drone attacks by Pakistan-based terror outfits.

Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Modi government needs to act on the strategic advice of experts instead of focusing on mere headlines management.

The reaction came after a series of drones were found in Jammu following two drone attacks on the Air Force station there.

Read more: Security agencies devising strategy to counter drone attacks in Jammu and Kashmir

"Armed drone attacks are a real threat to security forces and government establishments.

"A credible and comprehensive policy and measures are the need of the hour to tackle attacks by the Pak-based terror outfits, backed by the infamous ISI, instead of mere circulars and amendments of rules," Surjewala said on Twitter.

The Congress leader hoped the BJP government is aware of the ISI and Pakistan-based terror outfits using Chinese Hexacopters and drones, gifted by Beijing to Pakistan for use in CPEC, to drop arms across the border.

He also talked of the sale of 50 Wing Loong II armed drones by China to Pakistan for use in high-altitude areas.

"Hope the BJP government is aware that MPs have repeatedly raised the issue of drones attacks through Parliamentary Question on July 9, 2019, March 5, 2020 and on September 20, 2020.

"The entire nation stands as one with our security forces and government to repulse such attacks.

"But the Modi government should realise that it needs to act on strategic advice of defence experts with experience of modern warfare rather than rely upon mere headlines management," he said.

Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said the central government must focus on procuring equipment to counter drones as Pakistan establishment follows the policy of “cloak & dagger” and cannot be trusted.