(a) whether helicopters armed with machine guns and rockets were pressed into operation to hit militant hideouts in snow-clad mountains in Doda district on March 24, 2000;
(b) if so, the results achieved therefrom; and
(c) the measures proposed for continuous air surveillance in Jammu and Kashmir area to avoid massacre of the type held in Chithising Pura on March 20, 2000?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
(SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (c): Helicopters were used in Doda District on 25th March, 2000 during a combined operation of Army and the Air Force. The operation was a success. Further use of helicopters in a gunship role in J&K would depend upon tactical requirements.
Appropriate steps continue to be taken by the security forces to tackle terrorism in J&K.