Befitting response: Shah briefs CMs of border states

Hours after Indian forces targeted nine terrorist bases across the LoC in Operation Sindoor, Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with Chief Ministers, DGPs and chief secretaries of states bordering Pakistan and Nepal on Wednesday. He stated that India had delivered an appropriate response to the neighbouring country.

With reference to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Shah emphasised that Operation Sindoor was a decisive retaliation, sending a strong global message. The operation, launched by the Indian armed forces based on specific intelligence, struck nine terrorist-linked locations on the intervening night of May 6–7, destroying critical infrastructure.

Shah confirmed that the strikes completely demolished training camps, weapon depots and hideouts used by Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and other terror groups.

The meeting included CMs of J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim and West Bengal, along with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Shah directed states to ensure uninterrupted essential services such as hospitals and fire brigades and maintain smooth supply chains for critical goods.

He instructed the state governments to keep SDRF, civil defence, home guards and NCC personnel on high alert. Additionally, he urged chief ministers to vigilantly monitor anti-national propaganda on social media and counter misinformation swiftly.

Senior MHA officials, including the Home Secretary, IB Director and Director Generals of the BSF and the CISF, attended the meeting. Official sources said all CMs and L-Gs present lauded the operation’s success.

Shah further advised states to follow mock drill protocols, strengthen security at vulnerable points and enhance coordination among local administration, military and paramilitary forces. He also stressed curbing rumours and raising public awareness against disinformation.