Lucknow (UP), Jul 26 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday asserted that the Indian Army took “less than 22 minutes” to strike back after the Pulwama attack, destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan and forcing the country to retreat. He made the remarks at a Vijay Diwas programme held at Kargil Shaheed Smriti Vatika in Lucknow.
“Pakistan and its terrorism claimed the lives of 22 innocent travellers in Pulwama. But it took the Indian Army less than 22 minutes to teach all of Pakistan a lesson. They annihilated Pakistan’s terrorist camps,” Adityanath said.
He added, “Faced with the courage of the Indian Army, Pakistan sought refuge behind America. India was fighting on multiple fronts against several countries, yet Pakistan stood no chance. In the end, Pakistan was forced to surrender.”
The Chief Minister cautioned against divisive politics and alleged that some groups were exploiting casteism to fragment society. “Whenever we fall into the trap of such tendencies, we pay a heavy price,” he warned.
Adityanath emphasized unity, stating, “We must come together to build an ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ – a strong and capable India.”
Speaking on the 1999 Kargil War, Adityanath remembered India’s victory as a moment of national pride. He paid tribute to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his decisive leadership during the conflict.
At the event, Adityanath and Mayor Sushma Kharkwal honoured families of the martyrs, recalling their supreme sacrifices during Operation Vijay.