The Defence fraternity on Thursday justified the 'surgical strikes' on the terror launch pads across the line of Control terming them a long-pending "operational necessity" and also because the "levels of tolerance" were crossed.
Top Defence experts also lauded the bravery and calibrated approach of the Indian security forces and complimented the Government for allowing the military to carry out the task saying "a long pending debt has been paid back today".
"I am very pleased that the Government is letting the Army do what it needs to do. let Pakistani military know that this is what we have done and we will continue to do it (if) they do not behave themselves. We need a big heart for doing this. We have to congratulate the intelligence sources for providing accurate information on whereabouts of militants. We need to compliment the Government for giving a free hand to the military.
"So, obviously, Government had given a clean action chit to the military who launched a surgical strike with good dividend," former DG Infantry lt Gen S Prasad said.
Former Army chief General VP Malik too maintained that the Governments earlier had not given permission but this time the Army was given the go-ahead.
Former RAW chief CD Sahay said the strikes had to happen and were "inescapable", contending these should not be related to the Pathankot or Uri attacks as there has been a long history of trans-border infiltration. He lauded India for dealing with such matters with a mature approach while maintaining calm.
"The red lines have (been) crossed. The levels of tolerance have (been) crossed and this had to happen. I would congratulate them, but I would still urge (India) not to go gung-ho about it. It was an operational necessity. It was a security necessity. It had to be done. I would urge everyone to move on from here and not escalate (tensions) further," he said.
Air Marshal PS Ahluwalia, former C-in-C of Western Command said India first carried out a diplomatic offensive, then economic and finally the military one "to show that we have the tactical strength at least in carrying out these kinds of surgical military operations". He, however, cautioned Islamabad will retaliate and advised to be vigilant.
Former Air Marshal PK Barbora congratulated the forces for carrying out the operation at an "appropriate time" and without rushing it through. Former Navy official Commodore GJ Singh justified the strike, saying Indian forces entered into Indian territory occupied by Pakistan and said the neighbouring country understands only such military pressure.
Maj Gen G D Bakshi, who was involved in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and has been a former DGMO, said it is a "long-pending debt" that has been paid back by the special forces in a precise operation.
