Opposition hails strike, heaps praise on IAF

New Delhi: Soon after the Indian Air Force struck in Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad, destroying terror camps across the Line of Control, Opposition leaders hailed the air strike and heaped praises on the IAF and defence forces.

Most Opposition leaders, however, decided to remain silent on attributing success of the strike on the Narendra Modi government.

Taking to the micro-blogging site Twitter, Congress president Mr Rahul Gandhi said, “I salute the pilots of the IAF.”

Giving a statement on similar lines, leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, said, “We’ve always said that whatever action the forces take for protection of this nation, all of us will support them in unity, they are taking action against the terrorists in Pakistan. I congratulate them.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lauded the IAF for “striking terror targets”. “I salute the bravery of IAF pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan.” His Aam Aadmi Party tweeted out a clipping from the movie Border.

TMC chief Ms Mamata Banerjee tweeted saying, “IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind.”

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav too expressed similar reactions.

Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan said India is proud of the heroes.

“Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour.” he said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for calm. “Since Pak has claimed that no casualties were reported despite IAF violating LoC, they should adopt a reconciliatory stand as opposed to further escalation. Or else, an already volatile situation will spiral out of control and as usual Kashmiris will be the biggest casualties,” she said.