Its a direct attack by Pakistan on Indian soil: Sukhbir Singh Badal

PATHANKOT: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the attack at an Air Force base here in which four militants along with three security personnel were killed, is a "direct attack by Pakistan on our soil."

"It's a direct attack by Pakistan on our soil," Sukhbir, who also holds home portfolio, said, adding that "our response will be forceful and unremitting."

Exuding confidence that the Indian forces will deliver a strong message, he said "You can not mess with India and get away with it."

Meanwhile, top civil and police officials are regularly briefing Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir on the developments in Pathankot, officials said.

The chief minister said that state and central agencies regularly exchange information about threats to national security.

Referring to the terror attack, Badal said "It is an attempt from across the border to destabilise Punjab in order to weaken the country."

He said that the Indian forces will give a befitting reply to any assault on national unity and integrity.

Sukhbir said that the people and government of the state were fully geared to deal with any challenge thrown at the state and the country.

The Deputy CM said that the Punjab police and the central security forces "are dealing with the situation effectively and are on top of the aggressors."

He said the state police had constantly shared inputs with the central agencies and this ensured that the damage that any such attack could cause is minimised.

"Our army, other security forces and the Punjab Police will teach the infiltrators the lesson of their lifetime," Sukhbir said.

The Home Minister said that the armed and security forces, and the Punjab Police are in a state of full preparedness to deal with any threat to the country.

Lauding the Armed forces and police for their bravery, motivation and commitment, Sukhbir said they have always kept the flag flying high and the country is indebted to them.

He said that the people and the government of Punjab have always maintained vigilance and a state of high alert.

"No one who dares to set his unholy foot on our land will be allowed to go unpunished. Our people, our armed forces and police and para-military know what to do with enemies of the country," Sukhbir said.