New Delhi: Government on July 30 told Rajya Sabha that there was no delay in security operations to flush out militants in Hillkaka region of Jammu and Kashmir.

"It is not true that we were late in attacking them (terrorists)", Fernandes told Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Kalraj Mishra during Question Hour, adding "Operation Sarp Vinash" started on April 17 and ended on May 5, 2003.

Sixty-five terrorists were killed and three arrested during the operation, Fernandes said, adding 79 weapons were seized.

Five jawans laid down their lives during the operation, he said.

In reply to another query, Fernandes said there was no delay in supplying modern weapons to security forces in these operations.

"Whatever weapons the government decides to buy after considering various things like trial and research are purchased without delay," he said.

Fernandes said there were at times problems when the costs for the weapons were to be decided.

"When the price is to be determined, it leads to problems. It takes time (to decide on the weapons) sometimes," he said.

PTI