Operation Sindoor Unites Punjab’s Political Spectrum in Praise of Armed Forces

In a rare and resounding display of political unity, leaders from across the ideological spectrum in Punjab have come together to praise the Indian Armed Forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor — a series of precision missile strikes conducted early Wednesday morning targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The strikes, carried out in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives two weeks ago, demolished nine key terror hubs, including those of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. The operation marks a significant escalation in India’s response to cross-border terrorism, once again bringing back the assertive doctrine of “ghar mein ghuskar maarna” into national political discourse.

Leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) all issued strong statements saluting the courage and professionalism of India’s military, praising the precise and restrained nature of the strikes.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led from the front, declaring, “The entire country is united in this fight against terrorism. We are proud of our brave Indian Army. The people of Punjab stand shoulder to shoulder with our soldiers. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.” Mann also posted a stirring message in Punjabi, evoking strong emotional responses from across the state.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was equally emphatic: “You can’t mess with our country and get away with it. Our defence forces will chase you to hell and settle you there. This fight will be to the finish. Jai Hind. Jai Hind ki Sena.”

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, saluting the Armed Forces, said: “SAD stands firmly with the Government of India in this decisive strike against terrorism. We salute our brave soldiers for their precision and restraint in executing Operation Sindoor.”

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar praised both the military leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government: “Salute to the Indian Army! Special thanks to PM Modi for empowering our forces with a free hand. The strike sends a clear message to enemies of the nation.” Jakhar also called for suspension of ongoing farmer agitations, urging unity in times of national security.

In a notable moment following the strikes, a press briefing held by two female officers — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — received widespread praise. AAP MP Raghav Chadha called it a proud symbol of Nari Shakti, stating, “This is Rashtra Shakti — India’s daughters standing tall, giving a clear message to those who shelter terror.”

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa (Congress) invoked the words of Guru Gobind Singh, quoting, “Deh Shiva Bar Mohe Ehe – may I never shirk from righteous actions.” He added, “Our soldiers serve the nation with this spirit, and we are all proud of them.”

The slogan ‘Ghar mein ghuskar maarta hai’, which had become iconic during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, re-emerged as a rallying cry. BJP national leaders and local cadres alike picked up the phrase to amplify the sentiment of assertive retaliation.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said: “Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has made the nation proud. This is the new India. We strike inside enemy territory. Jai Hind, Vande Mataram!”

BJP’s national general secretary and Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa added a more forceful note: “Not once, but repeatedly we shall strike — inside their territory. This is not a message; it’s a policy.”

While the operation has generated near-unanimous approval, a few leaders struck a cautious note. Simranjit Singh Mann, president of SAD (Amritsar) and a known advocate of Sikh rights and autonomy, warned of the impact of war on Punjab’s border population. “There should not be war with Pakistan. Punjab, as a border state, would bear the brunt. Our Sikh farmers in border villages have already suffered displacements. Where are the safeguards for them?” he asked.

Independent MP from Faridkot Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, associated with Waris Punjab De, also voiced a nuanced concern. “India is ours too, and we stand with it. But these government policies make Punjab a battlefield every time. That is not acceptable.”

Despite these measured cautions, even critics avoided directly opposing the strikes, with most of Punjab’s political landscape unified in recognizing the Army’s professionalism and resolve.

Punjab’s vocal political support stems not only from patriotic fervour but also its deep-rooted connection to the Armed Forces. With thousands of soldiers in every branch of India’s military hailing from Punjab, military action resonates emotionally and culturally with the state’s population.

Leaders across parties made specific references to Punjab’s contribution to India’s defence, further deepening the sentiment of solidarity. “From Saragarhi to Siachen, Punjab’s sons have always led from the front,” said senior BJP leader Sukhminderpal Grewal, calling the latest strike an extension of that legacy.

While most leaders showed unity, some BJP figures took the opportunity to lash out at critics of past military actions. Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, saying, “The ones who mocked airstrikes and demanded proof, the ones who hung lemons and chillies on aircraft — what will they say now?”

Such jibes underline how military operations also become political ammunition, particularly in an election-sensitive environment like Punjab, where the Ludhiana West bypoll is approaching.

As the reverberations of the strikes continue to unfold diplomatically and strategically, Punjab’s united political voice sends a clear message to both adversaries and allies: when it comes to national security, the state stands resolute — “Ekta naal, fauj de naal” (United, with the Army).