Leaders across the political spectrum underscore national unity against terror

Areas that were hit by Indian Armed Forces during ‘Operation Sindoor’ being displayed on screen during the press briefing, at National Media Centre in New Delhi on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: ANI

Leaders across the political aisle in Kerala expressed solidarity with “Operation Sindoor”, targeting extremist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in a measured and carefully calibrated response to the massacre of Indian tourists at Pahalgam n Jammu and Kashmir last month. 

“Kerala stands in solidarity with the Union government and our defence forces in their actions against terrorism. In addition to this, the Union government must pursue diplomatic efforts to bring the Pahalgam culprits to justice and ensure no terror camps operate from Pakistan. Let’s stay united to protect India’s unity and integrity”, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan posted on social media. 

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said the Indian Defence Forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a “befitting response” to terrorism. “Salute to the Indian Defence Forces and the Hon’ble Prime Minister for a brave and befitting response,” he posted on his ‘X’ handle.

Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan lauded the Indian Defence forces for bringing the plotters of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice. He expressed solidarity with the nation and its defence forces. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also called for national unity against terror. 

Former Union Minister for Defence and veteran Congress leader A.K. Antony said, “Operation Sindoor”, targeting extremist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, was “just the beginning” of India’s anti-terrorist operations. 

Mr. Antony lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for rallying behind the armed forces against terrorists who attempted to upend their peaceful life by seeking to crater the State’s fledgling tourism industry. 

He said the world’s conscience was with India. The Indian Armed Forces had brought the conspirators who orchestrated the slaughter of innocent tourists in Pahalgam to justice. “India stands united when confronting terrorism”, he added. 

Mr Antony termed terrorism a universal menace that transcended national borders and socio-religious differences. 

Mr Antony, who served as India’s defence minister for a decade under the Manmohan Singh government, said the Indian Army had specific objectives. The central government has given the armed forces professional freedom to destroy malefactors who use Pakistan as a springboard for bringing terror to India. “Operation Sindoor is a forceful start,” he added. 

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) veteran P. K. Kunhalikutty shared a poster of ‘Operation Sindoor’ on his Facebook page and wrote, “For our Country… With our Army.” Actors Mohanlal and Mammootty also hailed the Indian Army’s courageous and fitting response to terrorism on their social media platforms.