In a high-level all-party briefing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that Operation Sindoor continues unabated. Asserting India's desire to steer clear of any further escalation, he clarified that any aggression from Pakistan would receive a stern reaction from New Delhi.
The session came after India conducted targeted airstrikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, which allegedly devastated terror infrastructure affiliated with outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba—both infamous for attacks on Indian soil.
Sources said Singh offered intelligence on the operation but stopped short of offering particular operational information since the mission was sensitive in nature. Singh reportedly said around 100 militants might have been killed in the raids, though he added that the actual number is still being confirmed.
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha echoed unstinting support for what the government has done. Gandhi also appreciated efforts by the government to consult the opposition parties beforehand and after carrying out the military operation. While Gandhi allegedly made a few objections, he held back from pinning the matter down, in view of the sensitive situation.
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, however, expressed dismay at the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the meeting. Speaking to reporters subsequently, Kharge said, "He was not there at the previous meeting either. It's alright, he feels he is above Parliament. We will question him sometime. But this is a moment of crisis, we don't want to criticise anyone." Reiterating the requirement of confidentiality, Rahul Gandhi said that some things in the situation are not appropriate for public revelation.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appreciated the united response from political representatives, saying, "At a time when the country is going through such a crisis, there is no room for politics. All leaders in unison appreciated the armed forces. Everybody said we will support all steps of the government and the forces. Nobody had any opposition."
He also said that Singh emphasized the need for political cohesion in times of national crisis, observing that governance needs to go beyond party lines. Rijiju further added, "Throughout the country, all political leaders are speaking one language. That is good. I want to thank all the leaders. Everyone came and supported us the way we thought they would. This was a productive meeting."
India's air strikes during Operation Sindoor were a clear response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, during which 25 foreign tourists and a local pony operator were killed in a ruth less attack.
Addressing the media a day before, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri linked the recent terror attack to Pakistan's record of supporting cross-border terrorism. "Even after a fortnight of the attacks, there has been no discernible action from Pakistan to act against the terrorist infrastructure on its soil or on soil under its control. All it has done instead is indulge in denials and accusations," he stated.
Misri further stated that intelligence indicated more coordinated attacks from Pakistan-based militant cells, giving India little option but to take action to deter and prevent further attacks.
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