‘What the nation waited for has finally happened’

NEW DELHI: Endorsing the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army on terrorists along the Line of Control, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said what the nation was waiting for has happened.

Bhagwat’s approval of the strikes came days after the Sangh announced it would back the government’s Pakistan policy. It is also in line with the Sangh’s demand for “firm and conclusive” action against sponsors of terrorism.

Speaking at the millennial celebrations of Abhinavgupt, the Shaivite philosopher from Kashmir, Bhagwat said: “Hum sab ke man mein jis baat ki prateeksha thi, who ho gayi hai (what we were waiting for in our hearts has happened).”

Without naming the army or the government, he extended his felicitations for the strikes that India claims inflicted “significant casualties” on terrorists.

RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said, “By conducting successful surgical strikes on terrorist launching pads in PoJK, the Indian Army has proved its capability.”

A senior Sangh functionary, also present on the occasion, said the government had paid heed to the “mood of the nation”. He said the strikes were in conformity with the “sentiments” of the people, upset by the terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan.

Following the September 18 Uri attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 19 terrorists, the Sangh had issued a statement calling for “firm and conclusive” action to deal with “terrorists, their masters and supporters”.