No issue of coordination between forces at Pathankot : Army chief

"I can assure that there was no issue of coordination between the forces at Pathankot," General Suhag said while talking to reporters."

Commenting on the criticism that it took too long to finish off the operation that went on for three days, the army chief said the time taken to complete the operations should be left to the commander on the ground.

"All casualties of soldiers were in the first few minutes. Our forces didn't suffer any casualties after the first contact," he said.

"There were two soldiers in the building where two terrorists were holed up. We had to first pull them out and then launch the offensive for the terrorists. It was not an easy operation and we took our time to reduce or minimise the casualties," General Suhag said.

The government has also confronted criticism that a series of security lapses allowed the terrorists to enter the heavily-fortified base from where India's Russian-made fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets and Mi-35 attack helicopters fly.

The army chief said: "How the terrorists got in despite the intelligence is being looked at by the NIA (National Investigation Agency). It is of concern and will one of key lessons learnt."

Seven military personnel were martyred in the attack by a band of six terrorists, all of whom were, however, eliminated after a fierce battle.