Operation Sindoor | Opposition laud armed forces for airstrikes

The leaders also raised queries about reports on Pakistan felling Indian jets, absence of Prime Minister at the deliberations and bringing back Masood Azhar as well as demand for a special session on Pahalgam attack and subsequent Indian strikes.

New Delhi: Opposition lauded armed forces for the ‘Operation Sindoor’ at an all-party meeting here on Wednesday but raised queries about reports on Pakistan felling Indian jets, absence of Prime Minister at the deliberations and bringing back Masood Azhar as well as demand for a special session of Parliament on Pahalgam attack and subsequent Indian strikes.

Sources said Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and CPI(M)’s John Brittas referred to reports, including in international publications, about the crash of a Rafale aircraft and some other jets and sought clarifications from the government.

While Kharge asked “what is the factual situation?”, sources said Owaisi wanted the Air Force to deny the reports if it is not true, as it is not good for the “morale and reputation” of the armed forces. The AAP leader also wanted the government to “clear the confusion” on this, as sources said such questions were not insinuatory in tone but were just seeking information.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence at the meeting, sources said Kharge said he should have been present as it was a “critical time”. “Is he viewing us not important? He is the country's PM and not a party’s. Why is he scared to be present in this meeting?” Kharge was quoted as saying.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, sources said, demanded a special session to discuss the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’ and that Modi’s absence at the meeting would lead to “negative messaging”. Brittas also demanded a special session.

Rahul was also not convinced with the government’s argument that it cannot provide details as the operation was still ongoing. Sources said Rahul referred to briefing to political leadership during Kargil War in 1999 and asked why it cannot be done now. However, Rahul told reporters after the meeting, “there are certain things that should not be discussed. Everyone gave their support.”

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha floor leader John Brittas asked whether it was the right time for the government to make a move to get terror mastermind Masood Azhar back, as he recalled India freeing him along with two others following a hostage crisis.

Sources said Brittas referred to Modi’s remarks that this is only the beginning and said it creates confusion as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the meeting that “intended objectives” have been met by the strike inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir. “What is the actual position?” he asked.

Owaisi wanted the government to run an international campaign against The Resistance Front, a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, and the United Nations’ should designate it as a terror organisation. Sources said he also asked why Turkey was supporting Pakistan.

Sources said Raut told the leaders that there is a need to be careful about big cities in the country, as Pakistan may attempt to target it. He said 'Operation Sindoor' will not be complete until the six terrorists involved in Pahalgam are killed. "Bring them to the India Gate in Delhi, identify them, kill them and throw them in Pakistan, only then the revenge will be complete," he said.

AAP’s Singh commended the government for the messaging part while referring to the fielding of two women military officers and said it was a shining example. He asked the government to protect the people of Kashmir.

NDA ally TDP’s Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu praised Operation Sindoor, saying India is “morally and strategically” in the right direction.

BJD leader Sasmit Patra said his party “wholeheartedly commends the extraordinary courage, clinical precision and gallant professionalism” of the armed forces.

“We are united against the fight on terrorism from Pakistan. This is the need of the hour. We should fight shoulder to shoulder. There should be no division between us,” Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said. He also demanded that the government call a meeting of party chiefs.