Pathankot terrorists entry from Punjab border a conjecture: BSF

New Delhi: The BSF on Wednesday said the exact area from where terrorists who attacked the Pathankot IAF base infiltrated is still a matter of "conjecture" and that there was no direct evidence of a breach in the security system along the Indo-Pak border.

Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir on Wednesday said in a written reply in Lok Sabha that "four Pakistan-based terrorists entered Punjab via Janial road, Dhusi turn, near Ravi river bridge, Gulpur Simli village- Akalgarh and attacked airforce station in Pathankot."

Border Security Force chief K K Sharma said there are many "variables" on the border, marked by riverine gaps and other unguarded patches and Pathankot could be one of those.

"That is still a matter of conjecture. It is suspected they came from this area (as mentioned in the Minister's reply)... But there is no direct evidence of a breach (of the border fence)," he said.

The DG added that due to riverine areas and other gaps in the undulating terrain on the border, it is "not possible to erect a fence" everywhere.

Putting an end to speculation about the number of terrorists involved in the Pathankot attack, Ahir's statement made it clear that only four militants had entered the airforce station to carry out the strike.

The answer was seen as contrary to a statement made by Home Minister Rajnath Singh on March 4. He had said that charred remains, apart from four bodies of terrorists, were found at the debris after security forces searched the Pathankot airforce station when the operation ended.

Talking about the Indo-Bangla border, the DG said non-lethal weapons given to BSF troops will "stay" as both the sides are determined to reduce the number of deaths on the frontier.

He said the incidents of smuggling of fake Indian currency notes along the border, especially in the notorious Malda area, has "drastically" gone down post demonetisation.

Asked if hostilities could increase in the wake of new Pakistan Army chief taking over, he said it was a "million dollar question" to him too.

Sharma added that the 2.5-lakh personnel strong force is running a special financial literacy programme for its troops so that they can save and invest better for their future.