New Delhi, July 24, 2006 (DefenceIndia Exclusive)

With recent reports in the press suggesting the infiltration of IAF by Lashkar terrorists, the IAF has taken a strong view. The IAF would like to assure the countrymen that the reports are baseless and untrue.

The official release reads:

• When it comes to intelligence inputs, these are not discussed in public domain.Hence, a retaliation is not called for.
• However on receiving such inputs the IAF has procedures and the machinery in place, to act on it promptly.
• Specific to the issue of recruitment/ enrollment in the IAF, THE IAF has methods of checking through civilian security/intelligence agencies for security vetting and verification of such recruits.
• Such a process is a continous process, where in verification and special re-verification is done periodically.
• No LeT cadre has infiltrated IAF.