"Punjab has never betrayed the nation": Harpal Singh Cheema backs centre after Operation Sindoor

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 7 (ANI): Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday extended full support to the central government and the armed forces following the military action under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Addressing a press interaction, Cheema said, "The Aam Aadmi Party is absolutely with the country, with the central government. Whatever action is taken against Pakistan or against terrorists, we are united with the country."
"Punjab has never betrayed the nation; it has always stood with the country. Whether it was the 1965 war, the 1971 war, whether it was a war of weapons, a war of devastation, or a war of words -- in all the battles that have taken place with enemy countries, Punjab has firmly stood with the nation," he said.
"Even today, we stand with the country and will stand at the forefront in its support. I assure that no harm will come to the country, I assure you of that," Cheema added.
On the outcome of the operation, he said, "Operation Sindoor was a successful operation for our country -- those who attacked our young soldiers, who attacked unarmed civilians -- I believe they will have to pay for everything, and the Government of India will make them pay. So we are completely with India."
He added, "Punjab has five border areas -- it is so strategically important. The Punjab border with Pakistan stretches over almost 500 kilometers. The Punjab government is fully capable and strong. Our Punjab Police and all our forces are absolutely ready. Our civil administration is ready. We are fully prepared to support the Government of India. Today there will be a mock drill, and we are fully prepared for that as well. Our civil administration and defense administration will fully cooperate."
The comments come after Wing Commander Vyomika Singh announced that nine terror camps were targeted and destroyed by Indian forces in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. "Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families," Singh said.
Col Sofiya Qureshi showed video footage of the destroyed sites, including camps in Muridke, where David Headley and Ajmal Kasab were trained, and others in Sialkot, Barnala, Kotli, and Mehmoona Joya.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the attack on Pahalgam aimed to derail the return of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. The government termed Operation Sindoor the deepest strike by Indian forces inside Pakistani territory since 1971. (ANI)