Strikes spot on, cannot be neutral in war of right and wrong: Sidhu

CHANDIGARH: After facing a backlash over his remarks on the Pulwama terror attack, Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu went all out to hail the pre-dawn air strikes by the IAF at Balakot terror camps in Pakistan on Tuesday.

The former cricketer, who had sparked outrage over his comment that “nations cannot be held responsible for an act done of a few cowards... and terrorism has no dharam, mazhab, zaat aur desh (religion, caste or country)” was among the first Congress leaders to hail the air strikes.

“In the war of right and wrong, you cannot be neutral. The war against terror outfits is spot on... Bravo Indian Air Force, Jai Hind,” he tweeted. Sidhu’s second tweet was in Hindi.

“Loha hi lohe ko kat ta hai; aag aag ko kat ti hai; saap jab dank marta hai, uska antidote bhi vish hi hota hai; aatankiyo ka vinash anivarya hai (only iron can cut iron, fire can cut fire and the antidote for snake bite is also poison; it was mandatory to eliminate terrorists),” he said.

The minister also posted a video of his February 18 statement to news channels after the BJP was gunning for him. “Terrorists should be crushed and their punishment should act as a deterrent for generations to come.”

Taking a dig at the BJP, he had added: “But no religion teaches to harm the innocent children... we need to get those who sponsor terrorists extradited. A terror group has claimed responsibility. But who released them at Kandahar...”

BADAL CONGRATULATES PM MODI, AIR FORCE

Former CM Parkash Singh Badal also saluted the Indian Air Force fighter pilots for carrying out “brave and effective air strikes”. Badal congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and IAF chief Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, for “completely paralysing the enemy response”.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal too hailed the airstrikes and congratulated PM and Chief of the Air Staff.

SECURITY STEPPED UP AROUND VITAL INSTALLATIONS

BATHINDA: The security around vital installations has been stepped up after the Indian Air Force strikes on terrorist camps across Line of Control on Tuesday.

Security around the Bathinda Cantonment, Guru Gobind Singh Refinery near Rama, National Fertilisers Limited and around depots of public sector petroleum companies, has been stepped up.

Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said that a meeting was held with the officials of Air Force Station, Bhisiana, and refinery to review the security arrangements.

Bathinda range inspector general of police MF Farooqui said extensive road checking is being conducted while patrolling near the cantonment and vital installations have been increased.

Terrorists should be crushed and their punishment should act as a deterrent for generations to come...we need to get those who sponsor terrorists extradited NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU, local bodies minister