Acting with precision, Indian Air Force eliminated Jaish-e-Mohammed’s biggest training camp in early Tuesday killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were relocated near Balakot in Pakistan for protection after Pulwama attack in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed on February 14. Free Press brings you celebrations, versions of common men and war veterans on the occasion
Three retired colonels Umrao Singh Chouhan, BD Vatts and DC Goyal who talked to FP in Bhopal commended Indian Air Force strike in Balakot. Excerpts of their versions
Indian defence force training is one of the best in the world. India should raise issue of Baluchistan, which wants to merge with India but Pakistan is suppressing their demand. India should also raise issue against China who had captured some parts of Himachal Pradesh and Tibet. We have left the work incomplete. We have to find out permanent solution: Colonel Goyal
I don’t agree that we have taken revenge from Pakistan. We have started it. According to Indian mythology, 13th day or ‘Tehrvi’ is done of dead person. Modiji had taken revenge before 13th day of terror attack. With this strike, the country had come out of tag of defensive state to offensive state: Colonel Vatts
February 26 is historic day. We had war with Pakistan in 1948, 1971 and also Kargil war. In these wars, Indian political leaders failed to take decisions. In 1971, India captured 94,000 war prisoners for one year. But we failed to negotiate the issue of POK. Similarly, during Kargil war, IAF was not permitted to cross Line of Control. But for first time, IAF crossed the LoC: Colonel Chouhan
Aaj ki karvayi ke baare mein jankar kuch achcha toh laga hai, par abhi karvayi kum hai, aur jyada honi chahiye (some action has taken place, but it’s too less and more action is needed): Sukaru Kachchi, father of 30-year-old CRPF jawan Ashwini Kachhi who was martyred in February 14 Pulwama terror attack.
This has shown to the world that IAF just like our special forces have the expertise and power to eliminate the enemy in its den. The free hand given to our armed forces should continue: Ashwini Kachhi’s brother Sumatlal
It is a very proud moment
Nupur Silawat, home maker: “This is a very proud moment for our country. Indian Air Force very well answered to the cowardly act of JeM in Pulwama. Army and country men should be well- prepared for a counter attack by Pakistan.”
Shad Khan, fitness expert:“First time since 1971 war, IAF was used in Pakistan-controlled airspace. This action shows confidence of Indian government and boldly leaves a message that we won’t tolerate terrorist activities inside and outside our territory.”
Sandeep Manwani, businessman: “JeM chief’s Masood Azhar’s brother in-law Maulana Yusuf Azhar who was involved in Indian Airlines flight hijack in 1999 was also killed in the strike, according to reports coming in. This is a big success for India. Their deaths are a blow on terrorist organisations.”
Akanksha Sodani, working professional: “This attack is bigger than 2016 surgical strike. Killing a terrorist today saves many innocent lives tomorrow. I salute Indian Air Force for making this possible. Terrorists groups should take a hint and step back before planning anything against India because this generation won’t stay quiet.”
Hamza Sheikh, businessman: “Salute to Indian Air Force for such a bold move. The Indian Air Force entered Pakistan territory and destroyed terrorist camps. A strike against JeM group was very essential.”
Jyoti Jain, homemaker: “Under Narendra Modi government, the military will now be given freedom to choose the right way for dealing with terrorism. The attack on terrorist camps is a very bold move and such actions must be taken in future as well.”
POLITICIANS IN UNISON, HAIL IAF
National BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya praised the Indian Air Force action with the dialogue of legendary Indian film actor late Raj Kumar, “Hum tumhe maarenge, aur zaroor maarenge…lekin woh bandook bhi hamari hogi, goli bhi hamari hogi, waqt bhi hamara hoga par jagah tumhari hogi.” He further said, “Air strike has proved that every Indian has 56-inch chest. As for Modiji, the tape (to measure chest) has fallen short.”
It’s a lesson to Pakistan, dekh beta ab ankh mat uthana: Tai It’s a message for Pakistan, dekh beta ab ankh mat uthana. It’s just a beginning. I was listening to a comment of sister of a martyred and she was saying that now no other sister will have to lose his brother. Modi government has paid true tribute to the martyred jawans. Pawan Putra Hanuman returned after torching Lanka. Our Air Force displayed bravery like Lord Hanuman. Now, India is confident that terrorism will be eliminated.
Nobody would have imagined it’ Union labour minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar: Whole country is proud of air strike conducted by India on terror camps in Pakistan, which the common people wouldn’t have imagined. The task carried out by our Air Force could not have been imagined by people.
Any ill against India will meet same fate’ Ex-CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan: The drive to eliminate terrorism has begun. Anybody with ill intention against India will meet the same fate as the Jaish terrorists.
Congratulations IAF: CM Nath Kamal Nath tweeted: I congratulate brave soldiers of Indian Air Force for the massive strike on terrorists’ camp. My party and I are always with you for every move initiated in the country’s interest,”
Modi knows how to deal with googly and swings: Prasad Ravi shankar prasad: Cricketer-turn-Pakistan PM Imran Khan thinks that politics and cricket are same. Like cricket, he sometimes throws googly (Kartarpur corridor) and sometimes swing (terror strikes). But he should remember that Modi knows how to deal with these deliveries. IAF aircrafts entered PoK and returned safe. In previous air strike also, all our soldiers returned safe. The two strikes reveal India’s capability.”