The armed force veterans here are rejoiced on Indian Army’s move to conduct surgical operations on terrorists’ camps across the line of Control (lOC). They are of the view that the strike has proved that India would no longer tolerate terrorist attacks on its armed and civilian installations and if need arises would cross the border to teach its perpetrators a fitting reply.

The lt Gen Gambhir Singh Negi (Rtd) that for the country’s political leadership has shown an appreciable political will to teach terrorists and their supporters an appropriate lesson. He said that India has proved that it can carry out Israel style retribution missions successfully. lt Gen Negi said that the Pakistan has gone on a denial mode about the surgical strikes as if it accepts them; it has to undertake some action to show its people.

Major General Chander Nandwani (Rtd) said that the army was always ready for such surgical and punitive actions but due to lack of political support such operations were not done in past. He said that both the army and government deserve congratulation for these strikes.

Another veteran and President of Uttarakhand Ex services league, Brigadier R S Rawat (Rtd) said that these strikes have cleared the misconception of Pakistan that India is a soft state and would not retaliate the attacks on its civil and defence establishments by terrorists infiltrated by it. “The message is loud and clear, you attacked one army camp we blasted six camps of yours. You killed 18 jawans we killed 40. But after this retribution of Uri attack our forces should be in highest state of preparedness. Taking advantage of international pressure on Pakistan we should further alienate it,’’ he said.

Brigadier K G Behl (Rtd) said, “The news of Special Army Commandos carrying out surgical strike against terrorist camps in POK Area within 3 km of the border completely destroying camps and killing terrorists is very heartening and we congratulate Army for their bold action and also Government for their support’’.