New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was among a host of politicians and eminent personalities, who congratulated the IAF for the successful strikes on the terror camps in Pakistan. While some took to the social media to laud the efforts of the Indian Air Force, others spoke to the media. Here’s what they had to say.
Naveen Patnaik (Odisha CM, on Twitter): Salute the #IndianAirForce for pre-dawn air strike on terror camps in defence of our Nation. #Jai Hind.
Prakash Javadekar (Union HRD Minister): It was a necessary step required for the security of the country… it was an act of maha parakram (mightily act).
Omar Abdullah (National Conference leader, On Twitter): We’ve entered a whole new paradigm with the Balakote air strike. The post Uri strike was to avenge our losses, Balakote was a ‘preemptive air strike to prevent an imminent JeM attack’. Totally new ballgame. A number of firsts from Balakote, the two most obvious are the first time air power has been used to strike inside Pakistan during peace times (last time in 1971 was during war) & first time visible, acknowledged use of force to preempt a perceived terror strike.
Manish Sisodia: (AAP, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister): We are proud of our armed forces and I would like to dedicate our budget to the jawans who sacrificed their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. I am presenting the budget at a time when the country is proud of the IAF strike after the Pulwama attack.
Ram Madhav (BJP general secretary): Every Indian who had the pain and anguish of the martyrdom of our forces is greatly relieved and delighted this (Tuesday) morning. Salute to the Air Force for a meticulous operation. Our forces are world class anyway.
Mamata Banerjee (TMC, Chief Minister, West Bengal, On Twitter): “IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind,” Banerjee tweeted.
Amarinder Singh (Congress, Chief Minister, Punjab): The IAF strikes 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 Pulwama Attack. Bravo to the IAF men and my full support for the action.
Kamal Hassan (Actor, Founder and President, Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) party, On Twitter): The country is proud of its heroes. Our 12 (apparently fighter jets) return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour.
V Narayanasamy (Congress, Chief Minister, Pondicherry, On Twitter): I salute our Indian Air Force for their attack on terrorist camps inside Pakistan. The country is proud of you (pilots of IAF).
Devendra Fadnavis (BJP, Chief Minister, Maharashtra): We feel proud of our armed forces which did not allow martyrdom of our jawans to go in vain. We proved our might. Mumbai is always on high alert and citizens need not panic.
HD Kumaraswamy (JD (Secular), Karnataka CM): My salute to the Indian Air Force. Jai jawan… Jai Hind #India Strikes Back #Indian Air Force.
Lata Mangeshkar (Singer): I have been watching since morning and I’m very happy that our armed forces are so prepared and strong. I always say that India is there because of our armed forces. We live in this country and are very fortunate.
Salman Khan (Actor, On Twitter): Respect @IAF_MCC Indian Air Force… Jai ho!!!.
Akshay Kumar (Actor, On Twitter): Enter their territory and hit them! Quiet no more! #India Strikes Back.
Ajay Devgn (Actor, On Twitter): Mess with the best, die like the rest.
Ekta Kapoor (Producer, On Twitter): Yay! May the force be with the INDIAN FORCES!
Agencies