India's politicians, businessmen and actors—along with the rest of the nation's twitterati—lauded the Indian Air Force and the government for eliminating Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in an air strike in the wee hours today.
This comes after the United Nations-recognised terrorist group carried out a suicide bomb attack in Pulwama, Kashmir, killing 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Here's what they had to say:
Ode To The Air Force
Congress President Rahul Gandhi saluted the Indian Air Force in a tweet.
🇮🇳 I salute the pilots of the IAF. 🇮🇳
So did Naveen Patnaik, chief minister of Odisha...
Salute the #IndianAirForce for pre-dawn air strikes on terror camps in defence of our Nation. #JaiHind
Omar Abdullah, former chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir, pointed out that India has entered a whole new paradigm of defence with the Balakot air strike. However, he cautioned that it was time for both the countries to resolve the dispute with “cooler heads”.
A number of firsts from Balakote, the two most obvious are the first time air power has been used to strike in side Pakistan during peace times (last time in 1971 was during war) & first time visible, acknowledged use of force to preempt a perceived terror strike.
JeM hit Indian forces & claimed the attack. In turn Indian forces hit JeM & owned that air strike. It's now time for cooler heads to prevail. War is never an ideal option to resolve disputes. Let's go back to the India-Saudi joint statement of last week.
President of AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi, said that though he expected this action two-three days after the Pulwama attack, he welcomes it and stands with the government.
A Owaisi: Was expecting this sort of response within 2-3 days after Pulwama blast. Welcome this. We stand with govt. Though Foreign Secy called it non-military action,it's a step I was expecting govt will take long time back. I hope govt will now go after Masood Azhar&Hafiz Saeed pic.twitter.com/eYgHAfrt7c
Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Admi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal has postponed his fast for the full statehood of Delhi, in a show of unity.
In view of prevailing Indo Pak situation, I am postponing my upwas for full statehood of Delhi. We all stand as one nation today.
Here are the other reactions:
IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind
Congratulations to our brave air force for a brilliant operation across the LOC.
Great job by the #IndianAirForce. The #IAFStrikes have sent the much needed signal to Pakistan and the terrorists it's harbouring - don't think you can get away with acts like the #PulwamaAttack. Bravo to the #IAF men and my full support for the action.
I salute our Indian Airforce for their attack on terrorist camp near JK Country is proud of you
What India Inc. Said
And they returned safely... which is a feat in itself. Let us pray for the continued safety of those who protect us... https://t.co/DU4iq1hc36
The message from our armed forces is strong and resonates the pulse of the world's 2nd most populous democracy. The nation continues to stand firmly behind our armed forces. #JaiHind #IndianAirForce
Strong retaliation by India #KudosIndia #ProudIndian
A salute to the #IndianAirForce for #SurgicalStrike2हमारे #AirForce के जवानों ने एक बड़ी पहल की और एक शौर्यपूर्ण कारनामा करके भारत के गौरव,सम्मान और स्वाभिमान को बचाया,पीओके में एयरफ़ोर्स के जवानों ने आतंकवादियों के अड्डोंको ध्वस्त किया,अभी तो यह कार्य आगे चलेगा क्योंकि जीवन तो योगमय और युद्धमय होता है उसमे निरंतर संघर्ष रहता है pic.twitter.com/fdsW2bxsdl
Jai Ho, Says The Film Industry
Respect @IAF_MCC Indian Air Force... Jai ho !!!
Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour.
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