NEW DELHI: The opposition parties on Wednesday lauded action taken by the Indian Air Force against a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot and praised the Armed Forces for their valour and bravery. In a joint statement of 21 parties, the Opposition also urged the government to take nations into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.

"The meeting of leaders of 21 political parties condemned the dastardly Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed on 14th February 2019. The meeting paid homage to our martyrs and expressed solidarity with our Armed Forces in crushing the menace of terrorism," the statement said.

The opposition leaders said they are anguished over "blatant politicisation" of sacrifices of armed forces by the BJP. They said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "regrettably" not convened all party meeting as per an established practice.

"The meeting lauded the action taken by the Indian Air Force against the terrorist camp on 26th February 2019 and praised our Armed Forces for their valour and bravery. The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicization of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces by leaders of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations. The leaders observed that the Prime Minister has, regrettably, not convened an-ali party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy."

The leaders expressed concern on the emerging security situation.

"Post the statement from the MEA regarding targeting of our military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed their deep concern for the safety of our missing pilot. Leaders urged the Government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity," the statement said.