The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement on January 5.

THE Polit Bureau strongly condemns the terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot.  The ongoing operation to clear the terrorists from the base has entered the fourth day.  Seven defence and security personnel have died fighting the terrorist squad.  The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of these brave men who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.  

The latest strike emanating from Pakistan has come in the aftermath of the decision to resume talks with Pakistan. It is clear that the obvious intention is to disrupt the dialogue process. The central government should stay on course and foil the designs of the disruptors.  

There are a number of questions which have arisen about the manner in which the terrorist attack was handled. There was sufficient intelligence about the impending attack and an alert had been sounded. Yet, the terrorist group could enter the base premises.  This operation has taken four full days to eliminate the terrorist attack and even this was clouded by confusing statements from the top authorities.  There is a need for a full probe and lessons to be learnt from this episode.