'IAF had option of deep strike inside Pak soon after 26/11'

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) India had various options
vis-a-vis Pakistan following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the
force had "enough" intelligence to do what it wanted, Air
Chief Fali Homi Major said Wednesday.

"There were certain options, which were certainly
discussed. Depending on the objective and the task given, IAF
had enough intelligence to do what it wanted to do then,"
Major told reporters here during a joint press conference with
his successor and chief-designate Air Marshal P V Naik.

However, Major, who will be retiring from service
after nearly four decades in the IAF and over two years as its
chief, said the present situation along the International
Border and the Line of Control were "absolutely normal."

He refused to reveal what the government had discussed
with the armed forces immediately after the Mumbai terror
attacks that claimed nearly 200 lives, including NSG commandos
and senior Maharastra police officers.

Voicing concern over India knowing "little" about
China's capability, the IAF chief said, however, there was "no
escalation" of tension between the two countries at present.

"The threat word was removed from IAF dictionary many
years ago. We do not want to be threat-centric, but want to be
capability-based. Threat and Intent are two different things.
We have certain capability to deal with conflict situation in
its entire spectrum," he said.

Asked how IAF was placed vis-a-vis China in terms of
its fleet and equipment, Major said: "We are placed very well.
We are taking more measures to further improve our combat
efficiency and proficiency." PTI NCB
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