Anyone attempting to harm India's sovereignty must be prepared for Operation Sindoor-like action, warns Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that Operation Sindoor was still on, while Defense Minister Rajnath Singh told an all-party meeting that 100 terrorists were killed in the strikes on Pakistan terror camps on Wednesday, sources said. This is the first time that the government has confirmed the death toll in the cross-border strikes.
Singh was chairing the all-party meeting in Parliament that was called to brief leaders of major political parties about the operation that was carried out at nine places in Pakistan and PoK. He is also learnt to have said India does not wish to escalate the situation, but if Islamabad does anything, then New Delhi will not back down.
Speaking to reporters after the all-party meeting, Rijiju said, "The Defense Minister informed leaders that this was an ongoing operation, hence can't give a technical briefing", adding that all political parties expressed support for the government.
“He (Singh) told the leaders about the operation and what the government’s intent is. Other leaders also spoke and gave their suggestions and showed maturity. At a time when the country is facing a serious challenge, there is no scope for politics….” Rijiu said.
Even though PM Modi didn't attend the meeting, he sent a message to the opposition: Every Indian citizen needs to stand united. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar echoed Singh's statement, saying any military attack on India by Pakistan would be met with a very firm response. "It is not our intention to escalate the situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very, very firm response," Jaishankar said.
