Pathankot attack may hit Pak-India talks

LAHORE (Web Desk) – Talks between Pakistan and India after the Pathankot airbase attack seems grim as Modi government has started considering postponing the talks.

The foreign secretaries of the nuclear-armed neighbours are due to meet for talks on Jan 15, building on a thaw in relations after a surprise visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif last month.

According to Indian media, government official said that the country was now considering whether to go ahead with the talks or not, and that a final decision will be taken once the operations to secure the Pathankot Air Force base in Punjab state are over.

The government official, who requested anonymity, said the final decision in this regard was likely in next 48 hours.

Indian security forces have killed five militants involved in the attack, said Major General Dushyant Singh, of India’s counter-terrorism force, the National Security Guard, at a briefing on Monday. But gunfire could still be heard at the base on the third day of operations. It was unclear how many militants remained at large, if any.

As well as the seven Indian security personnel killed, 22 had been wounded.

"Operations will continue to be conducted until we can render the base fully safe," said Singh.

Pakistan has condemned the attack and said it wanted to build on the goodwill created by the impromptu meeting between Modi and Sharif last month.