In a rare moment of political unity, leaders across India’s political spectrum hailed the Indian Armed Forces for their precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the brutal Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, including one Nepali national.
Congress leader and Lok Sabha’s Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi posted, “Proud of our armed forces. Jai Hind!” echoing the sentiments of a grieving and resolute nation. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge reinforced the party’s unwavering support: “We applaud the courage of our armed forces. Since the day of the Pahalgam attack, the Congress has stood with the government to take decisive action.”
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation was a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, which saw terrorists target civilians based on religion. The strikes hit terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), particularly camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad—both Pakistan-based groups officially designated as terrorist organizations by India, the United States, and the United Nations.
Leaders from the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) also backed the action. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav stated: “India and the Indian Army never tolerate terrorism. When our unity is attacked, we respond unitedly.”
Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM also supported the strikes: “Pakistan’s terror infrastructure must be completely destroyed. Jai Hind!”
Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized international responsibility: “The world must show zero tolerance for terrorism.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” underscoring the national sentiment behind the operation.
Operation Sindoor marks the first tri-services operation since 1971, targeting nine terror-linked locations. The symbolic name—evoking sindoor, the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women—pays tribute to the 25 widows made in Pahalgam, many of whom have publicly thanked the government for avenging their loss.