‘Proud of our Armed Forces’: Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Asaduddin Owaisi & other opposition leaders hail Operation Sindoor, welcome precision strikes on Pak terror camps

Operation Sindoor News: Hours after the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the early hours of Wednesday, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), opposition leaders from Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) came out in strong support of the Army,  lauding the precision strikes, carried out in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.

The strikes were executed around 1:44 am on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, targeting nine sites identified as the origin points for cross-border terror plots against India.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said, “A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed.”

‘Proud of our Armed Forces’: Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their precision and bravery following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor — a high-precision military strike on terror infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan and PoK. Taking to his official handle on X, he wrote, “Proud of our Armed Forces. Jai Hind!”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed deep appreciation for the Armed Forces. “India has an unflinching National Policy against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and PoK. We are extremely proud of our Indian Armed Forces, who have struck terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. We applaud their resolute resolve and courage,” Kharge wrote on X.

In a strong show of unity and national resolve, Kharge added, “Since the day of the Pahalgam Terror Attack, the Indian National Congress has categorically stood with the Armed Forces and the Government to take any decisive action against cross-border terror.”

He further stated, “National Unity and solidarity is the need of the hour and the Indian National Congress stands with our Armed Forces. Our leaders have shown the path in past, and National Interest is supreme for us.”

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also took to X to praise Operation Sindoor. “A set of calibrated, calculated, precise strikes against terror targets. Exactly what I had advocated last week: hit hard, hit smart. I applaud the government and stand solidly with our armed forces,” he said. 

“At the same time we have behaved in a manner that would not justify further expansion of the conflict. We have made our point and acted in self-defence. Time for all concerned to act wisely to prevent uncontrolled escalation,” he added.

Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated, “India’s commitment to eliminating all sources of terrorism in Pakistan and PoK has necessarily to be uncompromising and always be anchored in the supreme national interest. This is a time for unity and solidarity. Right from the night of April 22nd, the INC has been categorically stating that the Govt will have our fullest support in the nation’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The INC is standing firmly with our armed forces.”

Asaduddin Owaisi welcomes strikes

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi also welcomed the strikes. “I welcome the targeted strikes by our defence forces on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. The Pakistani deep state should be taught a lesson so that there is no other Pahalgam. Pakistan’s terror infrastructure should be destroyed,” wrote Owaisi, ending his post with “Jai Hind.”

YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy also hailed the operation. “The Indian Defence Forces have launched Operation Sindoor in a decisive response to the heinous Pahalgam terror attack. During such times, such inevitable actions reflect the nation’s unwavering strength in safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its citizens. All of us stand by you. Jai Hind,” he wrote.

Sharad Pawar, Aaditya Thackeray joins chorus of support

“Terrorism in all its forms has to be eliminated. Tonight’s precision strikes in PoK are against terrorism, and kudos to the Indian defence forces for keeping it precise to sites where terrorism was being harboured. Hit them, hard enough that terrorism doesn’t stand a chance ever again,” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader  Aditya Thackeray said in a post on X.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar posted, “Every Indian has full faith in the Indian Army, which protects India’s sovereignty by taking bullets to its chest. Today, proving that same faith, the Indian Air Force avenged the terrorist attack in Pahalgam by carrying out successful air strikes on nine terrorist locations at around 1:30 am.”

“In this operation, nine terrorist targets were targeted in a precise and planned manner without harming any Pakistani civilian or Pakistani military positions. The entire country is proud of this heroic feat of the Indian Army. Heartfelt congratulations to all the Indian soldiers who maintained India’s sovereignty and the security of its citizens and gave a befitting reply to the Pahalgam attack!” he added.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed his support with a brief post on X, saying: “Valour triumphs!”

Operation Sindoor: ‘Calculated, restrained, and firm military response’

According to government sources, Operation Sindoor was a calculated, restrained, and firm military response targeting terror camps linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, without causing damage to civilian or Pakistani military infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials closely monitored the progress of the operation throughout the night.

Meanwhile, just hours after the strikes, Pakistan reportedly violated the Ceasefire Agreement by firing artillery in the Bhimber Gali area of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army is said to be responding “appropriately in a calibrated manner.” The Ministry of Defence has announced a press briefing on Operation Sindoor scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM, where more details are expected to be shared.