Modi Govt Declared Ceasefire With Pakistan Without Consulting Armed Forces: Himachal CM Sukhu

Sukhu commended the Indian soldiers for their strong and decisive response to the attack and paid heartfelt tributes to the courageous personnel from Himachal Pradesh and across the country.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday alleged that the Central government of declared a ceasefire with Pakistan without consulting the three armed forces, adding that the "announcement came through a third country's social media".

"The Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence, and shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country," he said while addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha', news agency PTI reported.

The statement of the CM came in stark contrast to the strong leadership of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, who had not compromised with national security.

Recalling the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 lives, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to extend unconditional support to the central government in its fight against terrorism, according to an official release.

Sukhu commended the Indian soldiers for their strong and decisive response to the attack and paid heartfelt tributes to the courageous personnel from Himachal Pradesh and across the country. He further emphasised that both the Himachal Pradesh government and its people have consistently stood in solidarity with the Indian armed forces.

In retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, India launched precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7.

In response, Pakistan made multiple attempts to attack the Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. But in retaliation, the Indian forces launched a counter-attack on several Pakistani military bases. Later, an understanding was reached between both nations on May 10 to end the military confrontation.

Sukhu Praises Bravery Of Soldiers

Recalling a recent experience, the Chief Minister spoke about his visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the residence of a former soldier, Subedar Major Anoop Ram.

"Anoop Kumar discussed with me about the 1971 India-Pakistan war and recalled how the address of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi instilled patriotic zeal and boosted the morale of the Indian Army. The outcome of that war was historic and India split Pakistan into two, and Shimla later became witness to the landmark Simla Agreement," he said.

He also referred to the Simla Agreement, a peace accord signed between India and Pakistan on July 2, 1972, in Shimla, following the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Sukhu praised the unmatched courage and bravery of soldiers from Himachal Pradesh.

"Our soldiers never hesitated to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Himachali soldiers have the honour of being decorated with four Param Vir Chakras, which is a testament to the state's legacy of courage and sacrifice," he added.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Ajay Maken highlighted that multiple surgical strikes were carried out in 2008, 2011, 2013, and 2014, and Pakistan was sent with strong message. And, he added that the Congress never took the credit for those surgical strikes, instead, it was given solely to the Indian Army.

He emphasised that while it is the soldiers who make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, the Congress has never used their bravery for political gain.