Pathankot attack: Pakistan now targeting Punjab after Kashmir, warns Shiv Sena

The party reiterated that talks with Islamabad were impossible as 'dialogue and terrorism' could not go hand in hand

Following the attack on the Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot by terrorists, the Shiv Sena on Saturday alleged that Pakistan was eyeing Punjab after Kashmir and reiterated that talks with Islamabad were impossible as 'dialogue and terrorism' could not go hand in hand.

"Whenever there is a terrorist attack on India, then there is no need to search for the culprit or find out which country they belong to. We can close our eyes and say that Pakistan is responsible. This attack is a matter of great concern as it was on a sensitive area," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said.
 

Maintaining his stand against Pakistan, he said that this attack was proof that talks and terrorism could not go hand in hand.

"What happened today is what we feared for so long. The Shiv Sena has reiterated time and again that dialogue with Pakistan and terrorism can't go together and now peace talks are happening. The Prime Minister suddenly went to Lahore and it felt like the situation would get better, but it didn't," Raut said.

He alleged that after Kashmir, Pakistani terrorists were now 'targeting' Punjab and this was the biggest 'threat' to India at present.

"Peace in the valley has been destroyed. ISIS and Pakistan flags are being openly displayed. Will Punjab meet the same fate? Even today we maintain that Pakistan needs to be responded to in their same language," the Shiv Sena leader said.
 

Responding to Home Minister Rajnath Singh's comment that India would retaliate if attacked, Raut questioned the Centre asking where the promised retaliation was.

He also put the onus on the Pakistan government saying that they were responsible for the terrorism that sprung from their soil.

Earlier, Rajnath condemned the attack and said that the Army, the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Punjab Police were giving a befitting reply in the operation underway in Pathankot.

"Pakistan is our neighbour and we want to have good relations with them including all our other neighbours as well," the Home Minister said when asked if this will hamper the peace process initiated by India with Pakistan.
 

"We want peace, but if there is any terrorist attack on India we will give a befitting reply. I am happy that our security forces, our Army jawans, Para-Military forces and the Punjab police are retaliating strongly. The country is proud of them," Rajnath said.

So far, three defence personnel have been martyred and four terrorists have been neutralised in the operation and crossfire.

According to sources, the terrorists had infiltrated into India three days ago from Bahawalpur in Pakistan.