A befitting reply to Pak, it was long overdue, say leaders

Politicians in the city have hailed the surgical strikes by the Indian forces on terrorist launch pads across the LoC, saying that it will send a strong message to Pakistan. While some suggest that news channels should not show old footage, which can escalate tension on both sides, several others are of the view that the Centre should immediately release special funds for border villages. Chandigarh Tribune spoke to them.

"It was long overdue. The surgical strikes on terrorist camps speak volumes about the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar towards national security. It is not an attack on any country but against terrorism. Our Army is the best and it has once again proved it." —— Kirron Kher, MP 

"The action was much awaited and it is a befitting reply to Pakistan. This determined action demonstrates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s will to safeguard the country and teach Pakistan a lesson. The country is in the safe hands of the Prime Minister and he has proved his ‘56 inch ka seena’."—— Arun Sood, Mayor

"The Indian military, government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserve praise for teaching Pakistan a lesson. Now our neighbouring country has realised that there is a government in India which will not tolerate terrorist activities and will strike back. The entire nation is with the government and our armed forces." —— Satya Pal Jain, former MP

"The armed forces deserve praise from the entire nation for carrying out surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads across the LoC. It is not that such action has been taken for the first time, but at times it is not made public. News channels should not show old footage and leave it to Army to release videos when necessary. The preparedness shown by government in evacuating border villages is good."—— Pawan Kumar Bansal, former Railway Minister

"Though killing of any human being is unfortunate, the way terrorist activities had increased, resulting in the killing of Indian soldiers, such action was the only option left. The Centre should immediately release special funds for villages situated in the border areas." —— Harjinder Kaur, ex-Mayor and SAD councillor

"We support the surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in the POK by the Indian Army. At last, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started following former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s style of functioning. We are with the Army" —— Pardeep Chhabra, city Cong president