NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev have sent a clear message to masterminds of terrorism in India by installing fear among them about the consequences of playing with the lives of Indian citizens. He said the first response brought satisfaction among people and the second transformed the satisfaction into confidence.
Speaking at a function here to facilitate the personnel of the Indian Army, the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were involved in the two operations, Shah said, "Nation salutes our brave-hearts. Proud to have facilitated our valorous security personnel, who successfully carries out Operation Mahadev and eliminated the perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack."
The Home Minister further asserted that the security forces have shown the world that no matter how many tactics or strategies terrorists may adopt, they can no longer hurt India and escape unpunished.
The armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terror hideouts and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
In July, the security forces eliminated the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam carnage as part of Operation Mahadev.
At a time when tourism was at its peak in Kashmir, the Pahalgam attack was a failed attempt to derail the 'Kashmir Mission', the Home Minister said. He added that alongside the Army and paramilitary forces, the Jammu and Kashmir Police now play a leading role in the fight against terrorism, which is very commendable.
"Whether from the ruling party or the opposition, everyone felt joy and enthusiasm about operations Sindoor and Mahadev and expressed gratitude towards the country’s security forces," the Home Minister said.
Noting that this very trust in the country’s security forces makes every Indian proud, Shah exuded confidence that they are the foundation for India's aspiration to achieve the highest position in the world in every field.
The forensic lab of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has proved that the terrorists killed during Operation Mahadev were the same persons who carried out the massacre in Pahalgam, the Home Minister noted.
"On behalf of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the entire nation, I congratulate the security forces for strengthening the sense of security in the hearts of Indian citizens," he said.