In an appeal for national solidarity and social concord in the face of escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday welcomed the strong measures taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration after the gruesome Pahalgam attack.
"We salute the leadership of the central government and our forces for the swift action, 'Operation Sindoor,' undertaken against Pakistan-backed terrorists and their network following the dastardly attack on unarmed tourists in Pahalgam," RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said.
He highlighted that this action, which aimed to bring justice to the victims and the nation at large, had greatly enhanced the morale and self-esteem of the nation. "This action against the dastardly killing of Hindu tourists has bolstered the will of the entire nation," Bhagwat further added in a statement shared on social media platform X.
The RSS chief also called on citizens to remain united and cooperate with the military during this trying time. "We appeal to all citizens to demonstrate their patriotism, be prepared to cooperate with the Army and local administration as and when required, and assist in building efforts to uphold national unity and security," he stated.
Supporting 'Operation Sindoor,' Bhagwat claimed, "We whole-heartedly endorse the military action that is being unleashed on terrorists, their infrastructure, and their backers in Pakistan. It is a necessary and inevitable measure for national security. In this hour of national crisis, the whole country is with the government and defense forces, both in sentiment and deed."
The RSS also criticized the attacks of the Pakistani Army on civilian and religious regions in India. "We firmly condemn the Pakistani army's assaults on religious and civilian targets on the border and offer our most sincere condolences to the victims of these brutal, inhuman attacks," Bhagwat said.
Also, the RSS appealed to citizens to follow strictly the guidelines of government and administration. "While carrying out our citizenship responsibilities, we should be on guard and make sure that no anti-national forces are able to disturb social unity and harmony," Bhagwat added.
India's 'Operation Sindoor' was initiated against the terror strike on April 22 at Pahalgam, where 26 were killed. The operation aimed at attacking terrorist camps on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Tensions further heightened when Pakistan is said to have carried out multiple drone and artillery attacks along the Western Border, and also perpetuated ceasefire violations. Pakistan Armed Forces carried out multiple raids on the night of May 8 and 9 using drones and other ordnance along the entire Western frontier. The Indian Army effectively repelled all the drone attacks and responded in kind to the ceasefire violations.
In addition, India downed a Pakistan Air Force F-16 and two JF-17 planes after Islamabad tried to attack several sites in Jammu and Punjab, government sources said.
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