Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force, during the wee hours on Tuesday dropped 1000 kilograms of bombs on the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in a planned air-strike destroying Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps. Reacting to this, several south Indian netas poured in their congratulations to the Indian Air Force on social media who risked their lives by crossing the LoC in India’s reply to the Pulwama terror attack. 

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, in his tweet said, "My Salute to the Indian Airforce. Jai Jawan.. Jai Hind.. #IndiaStrikesBack #IndianAirForce." 

 

Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara also put out a tweet saluting the Indian Air Force. "Salute the @IAF_MCC for the massive show of strength. Commendable feat by Indian armed forces and our pilots who risked their lives for the country. Jai Hind!" his tweet said.

 

Tamil Nadu's actor-politician, Kamal Haasan who was known for non-violence also posted a tweet which said, "Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour."

 

Several political leaders including ruling party members in Karnataka congratulated the Indian Air Force's air-strike and expressed their happiness.

 

 

 

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party Convenor Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan”.

 

Leader of Opposition in Bihar Tejashwi Yadav, tweeted,” We salute bravery of our pilots and Air Force. We are blessed and proud of our forces. Jai Hind.”

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar hailed the reported air strikes, 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 was quoted as saying in a PTI report.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee  hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted.

 

Punjab chief minister also lauded the IAF. In a tweet, the CM said: “Great job by the Indian Air Force. The IAF Strikes have sent the much needed signal to Pakistan and the terrorists it’s harbouring - don’t think you can get away with acts like the Pulwama attack. Bravo to the IAF men and my full support for the action.”

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was proud of Indian army. In his reaction on the report, the CM said, “We have told Pakistan that our martyrs’ sacrifice will not go waste. I am an Indian and I feel proud today. I am waiting for more information, but I feel proud of what information I have got till now.”

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah called it “wow”, and added “if this is true this was not a small strike by any stretch of imagination but will wait for official word, should any be forthcoming.”