INDIA bloc leaders back operation, laud valour of defence forces

KOLKATA/CHENNAI/PUNE/LUCKNOW: The leaders of key INDIA bloc parties hailed the armed forces for the precision strikes destroying the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and POK, and backed government of India's decision to avenge the Pahalgam attack by taking the war against terror into the Pakistani territory.In a brief post on X on Wednesday morning, Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK supremo M K Stalin praised the Army's valour. "Tamil Nadu stands with the Indian Army against terrorism. With our Army, for our nation. Tamil Nadu stands resolute," he said.His West Bengal counterpart and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee was more forthcoming in expressing support for the central government's action. "We are together, shoulder to shoulder. We are fighting against terrorists and terrorism. There should be no division. We are all for the country and we will work with this mentality," she said.Former defence minister and NCP(SCP) leader Sharad Pawar, too, echoed the same sentiments, as he called for keeping political differences aside at this juncture. Hailing 'Operation Sindoor', Pawar said, "After the Pahalgam terror attack, there was extreme anger among people across the country. After such an attack, no country could remain a mute spectator. India had to respond to the attack, and our forces chose these targets quite carefully, giving a befitting reply."Interacting with the media in Pune, Pawar further said the decision to strike the terror camps without crossing the Line of Control would help India gain international support for the move.Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, too, said his party stood firmly with the government to root out terrorism, but cautioned that it would be a long drawn battle with no scope for any lapses."No one will accept lapses in securing India. We are fully confident of our armed forces which are securing our borders," the former UP chief minister said.