Pulwama revenge: Amit Shah, Rahul, Mufti react to IAF air strike across LoC

Soon after the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out well-planned pre-dawn air atrikes across the LoC, destroying major terror outfits in Pakistan, leaders across political lines praised the move as a much-needed response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that had claimed the lives of over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Here is what leaders, ministers and actors had to say about IAF's air strikes across LoC:

'I salute the pilots of the IAF'

Congress President Rahul Gandhi was among the first to respond after the IAF fighter jets struck terror camps deep inside Pakistani territory in an early morning air strike. He tweeted saying, "I salute the pilots of the IAF."

'Nation stands firmly behind the armed forces'

From the government, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar hailed the air strike by the Indian Air Force inside Pakistan, saying the entire nation stands firmly behind the armed forces. "It was a necessary step required for the security of the country ... it was an act of maha parakram (mightily act)," he said.

'New India will not spare any acts of terror'

BJP President Amit Shah took to Twitter to congraluate the valour and bravery of the armed forces. Shah tweeted saying, "Today's strong action shows the will and resolve of a New India. Our New India will not spare any acts of terror and their perpetrators and patrons."

In another he said, "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 & decisive leadership of PM Narendra Modi."

'Political will of PM Modi made all the difference'

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political will has made the difference. 

"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," said Madhav.

'IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also lauded the Indian Air Force's (IAF) meticulous operation across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan's Balakot.
"IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted.

'IAF pilots made us proud'
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also lauded the Indian Air Force for “striking terror targets.”

'My salute to the Indian Air Force'
Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes against Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) training camp at Balakot. "My salute to the Indian Air Force. Jai jawan... Jai Hind #IndiaStrikesBack #IndianAirForce," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

India will retaliate ‘harder and stronger'
V K Singh Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh responded to India's retaliation to Pakistan on Twitter saying that India will retaliate ‘harder and stronger’ every time it gets attacked.

'Modi scoring several victories with his actions to eradicate terrorism'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his daring actions to eradicate terrorism. He also thanked Modi on behalf of the people of Tamil Nadu for the daring action by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in destroying the terror camps operating inside Pakistan through air strikes early on Tuesday. According to Palaniswami, Modi is scoring several victories with his actions to eradicate terrorism.

'Totally new ball game'
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Tuesday said the strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force on JeM camps is a "totally new ball game" as it was first time that air power was used during peace time to hit terrorist targets in the neighbouring country.

"We've entered a whole new paradigm with the Balakote 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," Abdullah tweeted.

'Clinical strike, completely paralysing the enemy response'

Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal also congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal B S Dhanoa for the "brave and effective air strikes" in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

Badal hailed Modi and Dhanoa for the "clinical strike, completely paralysing the enemy response".
 

'Pakistan should adopt a reconciliatory stand'
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehboob Mufti on Tueday asked Pakistan not to escalate the situation after the Indian Air Force carried out a raid on camps of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed across the Line of Control (LoC).

In a tweet, she said Kashmiris will be the biggest casualties if the situation spirals out of control.
 

'Salute the Indian Air Force'
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) over its successful air strike inside Pakistan.

"Salute the #IndianAirForce for pre-dawn air strike on terror camps in defence of our Nation. #JaiHind," Patnaik tweeted.

'Let us pray for the continued safety of those who protect us'
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra extolled the pilots of the Indian Air Force and tweeted saying, "And they returned safely... which is a feat in itself. Let us pray for the continued safety of those who protect us..."

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi observed that the Air Force’s mission was a “hugely successful” one as it penetrated deep into LoC.

Congress Party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu also responded to the IAF's air strike