"Should be ashamed...": Eknath Shinde slams Opposition for raising questions on Operation Sindoor

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 14 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday lashed out at the opposition for questioning the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor and said that the parties demanding accountability over the number of terrorists killed should be 'ashamed' of themselves.
Speaking to ANI, CM Eknath Shinde said, "Prime Minister took revenge for those whose 'sindoor' was removed, at this time, they (opposition) are asking for an account of how many terrorists were killed? The opposition should be ashamed. They should stand by our jawans and celebrate their bravery and valour."
Shinde further commended Prime Minister Modi's courage in taking decisive action against terrorist camps in Pakistan, emphasising that such bold steps were necessary for national security.
"The courage shown by PM Modi to take action against Pakistan and terror camps there deserves recognition. Our armed forces, the Army, Navy and Air Force should be celebrated for their role in this operation," he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister also raised questions about the opposition's stance during past terrorist attacks, particularly the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
"When the 26/11 attacks happened, why didn't anyone take action then? Why did they not stand with the people of the country?" he asked, challenging the opposition's silence during past critical moments of national security.
Earlier in the day, AAP workers staged a demonstration near the Modi Flour Mills in Okhla, New Delhi, criticising the Modi government for mishandling the situation with Pakistan regarding PoJK.
Protesters held a large red banner reading, "PoK ka chhodda mauka, Modi ka desh ka dhokha" (Opportunity lost on taking PoJK, Modi's betrayal of the nation), accusing the government of failing to negotiate for the return of PoJK during the ceasefire agreement.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Wednesday accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government of betraying India by agreeing to a ceasefire, thereby missing a crucial opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK).
Speaking to ANI, Bharadwaj said, "Our armed forces risked their lives to defeat the enemy, and Pakistan was scared and worried. This was the time to reclaim PoK. By agreeing to a ceasefire, you have betrayed the country."
Operation Sindoor launched on May 7 targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The strikes were conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack; however, in a quick response, the Indian government suspended the Indus Water Treaty signed in the year 1960 between both countries following the CCS (Cabinet Committee on Security) meeting a day after the attack.
Operation Sindoor led to the deaths of over 100 terrorists from groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Pakistan retaliated with cross-border shelling and attempted drone attacks along the border regions. In response, India launched a coordinated attack, damaging radar infrastructure, communication centres, and airfields across 11 airbases in Pakistan. On May 10, both countries announced a cessation of hostilities.
In his address to the nation on May 12, PM Modi said that after the surgical strike in 2016 and the air strike in 2019, now Operation Sindoor is India's policy against terrorism.
The Prime Minister referred to India putting in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and said water and blood cannot flow together.
He also said that if there are talks with Pakistan, it will be only on terrorism and vacating Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is under its illegal occupation.
The Prime Minister said that Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, has carved out a new benchmark in India's fight against terrorism and has set up a new parameter and a new normal. (ANI)