Operation Sindoor: Top Cong Leaders Meet Amid Indo-Pak Tensions; 'Full Support For Armed Forces', Says Rahul Gandhi

In view of the heightening tensions between India and Pakistan after the armed forces launched targeted attack 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan, the top Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi assembled for on Wednesday for a meeting.

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the leaders discussed 'Operation Sindoor' and lauded the courage and achievements of the armed forces.

According to PTI, senior party leaders including AICC treasurer Ajay Maken, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mukul Wasnik, Jairam Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala, former Union minister Anand Sharma and deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were also present at the emergency informal meeting.

Commenting on India's retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack through 'Operation Sindoor' which targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "...Today, we called a working committee meeting in wake of the incident in our country and the steps being taken by the Govt. We take pride in our Indian Armed Forces who took brave and decisive action on the terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, under #OperationSindoor and gave a befitting reply."

"We salute the valour, determination and patriotism of our brave jawans. Since the #PahalgamTerrorAttack itself, INC clearly stood united with the armed forces and government, and supported decisive actions against cross-border terrorism. India's national policy against all forms of terrorism rising out of Pakistan and PoK is very clear and strong. To safeguard the national unity and integrity of India, unity at all levels is utmost necessary", Kharge added.

"INC stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave jawans of the country. History is witness that our heroes have always placed national interest the supreme and sacrificed themselves for the country's unity and integrity...We will extend all our strength to our soldiers. To safeguard the nation, keep the country united and to keep our independence intact, we extend our full support. There are no differences over this matter. We are united. INDIA Alliance people too are making all efforts to work together to safeguard the nation", the Congress chief concluded.

Addressing a press conference, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said, 바카라�We had a discussion of working committee. Our full support is to the Armed Forces. We extend our wishes and love to them. Congress party stands along with them.바카라�

Operation Sindoor: What Was It?

In the wee hours of Wednesday, Indian Armed Forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

The hideouts included the Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) base Muridke amongst several others.

The mission was named 'Operation Sindoor' which resonated with the fact that several women were widowed in the Pahalgam terror attack where their husbands were killed right in front of their eyes. The operation, which was reportedly named by PM Modi, has been widely hailed by citizens, politicians across the country.

Govt Confirms Attack On Terror Bases

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed at the presser on Wednesday morning that more than 80 terrorists linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen were killed in the precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK.

They added that military action was measured and the targets were selected based on credible intel.

The Defence Ministry's first statement since the attack confirmed the launch of the operation, it said, "A little while ago, the Indian armed forces launched 'Operation Sindoor' hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed."

The government on Wednesday said Indian military carried out a "measured, non-escalatory, proportionate, and responsible" strike to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan to "deter and to pre-empt" any further terrorist strikes to retaliate the Pahalgam attack.