Government slams Congress for comments over Pathankot attack

The government on Tuesday slammed the Congress for its comments over the Pathankot terrorist attack, saying the main opposition party has become irresponsible on the sensitive issue of national security.

Earlier in the day, Congress spokesman Anand Sharma questioned Prime Minister Narndra Modi's talks with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Lahore last month.

"What assurance was given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that made him visit Lahore last month? What was the understanding that convinced Modi that the entire establishment of Pakistan was supporting and endorsing resumption of dialogue process between the two countries," he asked.

Seven security personnel and six terrorists were killed in Saturday's attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in Punjab.

Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters here that "at a time when the whole country was speaking in one voice against terrorism, the Congress misled the country through its irresponsible and condemnable statements".

"This reflects the irresponsible behaviour of Congress towards the country," he added.

"The Congress questioned the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers," the senior BJP leader said, urging the Congress to keep the country's security issues away from political rivalry.

He also said that all the questions raised by the opposition party on Modi's talks with Sharif have already been answered by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in parliament.