India names JeM, its chief for Pathankot terror attack

New Delhi, Jan 7  India has named Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of the banned terror organisation Jaish-e-Muhammad, as well as the organisation itself and others as being responsible for the Pathankot attack in evidence shared by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Janjua, according to sources here.

JeM goes by two other names in Pakistan, after it was banned in 2002. 

However, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup refrained from naming any group, while confirming that "actionable intelligence" had been provided to Pakistan.

"We have given some information to Pakistan. They have to act on that information. All individuals and groups will be included in that," the spokesperson said.

Asked about the evidence, Swarup said he "cannot make the intelligence public".

On a question whether JeM was named by India in interactions between the NSAs, the spokesperson refrained from giving a direct reply.

"This is a matter for investigation by Pakistani authorities on the basis of the evidence that we have provided them. Once they have investigated, we will know the exact identity of who is behind it," Swarup said.

Seven security personnel were killed in the attack early on Saturday morning on the Pathankot Indian Air Force Station by six terrorists who, according to officials, crossed over from Pakistan. All the six terrorists were killed by security forces later.