Objectives achieved, India ready for Pakistan's response: Defence minister Rajnath Singh at all-party meet

New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who addressed an all-party meeting on Operation Sindoor on Thursday, said that the operation was still underway and around 100 people, including hardcore terrorists, were killed in the Indian strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), sources said.

Stating that the intended objectives have been achieved, Singh asserted that India is prepared for any retaliation from Pakistan, sources said. A source, quoting Singh, said, "It is difficult to give an exact estimate as the operation is still ongoing. We are collating the details."

Responding to the points raised by the leaders of different parties, Singh said India does not want an escalation but will give a befitting reply to Pakistan if attacked, the sources added. However, he added that it is an evolving situation and declined to give details of the Indian operation.

Leaders from across the political spectrum hailed the armed forces and extended support to the government but sought several queries from the government. Infact, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and John Brittas of the CPI(M) suggested that a special session of Parliament be convened, saying that it would send out a message of united national resolve.

"In this moment of crisis, we are with the government," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters after the meeting. He said Singh had said that it is a sensitive time, and things related to national security were confidential and couldn't be shared. The Congress chief, though, conveyed his disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi not attending the all-party meeting. Rahul Gandhi told reporters, "There are certain things that should not be discussed. Everyone simply gave their support".

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "The defence minister briefed all leaders in detail on 'Operation Sindoor'. All leaders unanimously congratulated our armed forces and assured their full support to the government. The leaders shared their concerns on national security and the safety of Indians, especially in border areas, but extended their support."

The government informed the gathering that only terrorist camps and places harbouring terrorists were struck, and all steps would be taken to ensure the safety of people, especially in border areas.

Leaders from all political parties, including the Congress, AIMIM, Trinamool Congress (TMC), DMK, BJD and Janata Dal (United), extended full cooperation to the government on the issue of national security. Union home minister Amit Shah, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and BJP national president JP Nadda attended the meeting.