As Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale confirmed on Tuesday that a JeM terror camp in Balakot was destroyed in an IAF air strike early on Tuesday morning, political leaders welcomed the action.
At a briefing, Mr. Gokhale also said a number of terrorists were eliminated in the air strike.
Here are the reactions from across party lines and others:
Odisha CM hails IAF
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its pre0dawn air strikes on terror camps in Balakot across Line of Control.
“I salute the Indian Air Force for having taken action to protect our country,” said the Chief Minister.
IAF strikes in Pakistan underscores resolve and willpower of new India: Amit Shah
The Indian Air Force’ strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan underscores the will and resolve of a new India, BJP president Amit Shah said, asserting it has shown that the country is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong and decisive leadership.
“I congratulate and salute the bravery and valour of our armed forces. Today’s action further demonstrates that India is safe and secure under the strong and decisive leadership of PM Narendra Modi,” he said.
“Our New India will not spare any acts of terror and their perpetrators and patrons,” Mr. Shah added.
Modi is tasting success in rooting out terrorism: Edappadi K. Palaniswamy
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister CM Edappadi K. Palaniswamy lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan, commending him for his “bold” efforts against terrorism. Mr. Modi was tasting success in rooting out terrorism, which was threatening the entire world, the Chief Minister said in a statement and lauded him on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu.
“I extend my greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to whose bold functioning, a successful air strike has been carried out which has demolished terror camps in Pakistan,” Mr. Palaniswamy said.
Chandrababu Naidu hails IAF
“Hail the efforts of Indian Air Force,” tweeted N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh
Attack was necessary: Kumaraswamy
Karnataka Chief Minister Kumaraswamy welcomes the air strikes. Speaking to presspersons at Ramanathpura in Arakalgud taluk, he says the air strikes was necessary. "Entire country would stand united on this issue."
A much-needed signal to Pakistan, says Amarinder Singh
"Great job by the 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," tweets Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
Our forces are world class, says Ram Madhav
“Every Indian who had the pain and anguish of the martyrdom of our forces is greatly relieved and delighted this morning. Salute to the Air Force for a meticulous operation. Our forces are world class anyway. It is the political will of our PM and team that made all the difference,” BJP general secretary Ram Madhav says.
Air strike a new ball game: Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, tweets, "We’ve entered a whole new paradigm with the Balakot air strike. The post Uri strike was to avenge our losses, Balakote was a “preemptive 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 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."
Nation behind armed forces, says Javadekar
Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar hails the air strikes. The entire nation stands firmly behind the armed forces, he says.
“It was a necessary step required for the security of the country ... it was an act of 'maha parakram' [mightily act],” PTI quotes him as saying.
Narendra Modi had given a free hand to the forces to take necessary action following the Pulwama terror attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead, he points out.
Rahul Gandhi "salutes'' IAF pilots
Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets, "I salute the pilots of the IAF."
The Congress also lauds the role of the Indian Air Force in ''keeping Indians safe with its consistent and determined effort.''
“We salute the @IAF_MCC for their consistent & determined effort to keep Indians safe. Jai Hind,” the party says on its official Twitter handle.
IAF pilots have made us proud: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweets, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan."
Maharashtra Assembly congratulates armed forces
The Maharashtra Assembly passes a unanimous resolution congratulating the armed forces for carrying out air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan.
The resolution is moved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who lauds the Indian Air Force for its bravery.
“We feel proud of our armed forces which did not allow martyrdom of our jawans to go in vain. We proved our might,” he says.
Kamal Haasan praises Air Force
Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan 'welcomes' the air strikes and ’salutes’ the valour of the “heroes.” The country is “proud of its heroes,” he says in a tweet.
“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,” he says.
Mamata Banerjee lauds IAF
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hails IAF for carrying out the air strikes.
“IAF also means India’s Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind,” she tweets.
It's a fight Against terror, No one else, says former director of NSC, Afghanistan
Many thanks to IAF_MCC for hitting terror outfits in Balakot of Mansehra, PAK. The area has been known to have the so- called Jihadi Training Camps since era of Zia-ul-Haq. Its a fight Against Terror, No one else! IndiaStrikesBack," tweets Tawab Ghorchang, Former Director of Public Affairs and spokesperson of The National Security Council of Afghanistan.