Political parties hail surgical strikes across PoK, J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti strikes note of caution

Putting aside their differences, political parties on Thursday came together to hail the anti-terror surgical strikes carried out by Army across the LoC, with BJP saying it signals the "rise of new India" and Congress terming it as a "strong message" to Pakistan to stop aiding terrorism.

However, BJP ally and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti struck a note of caution as she voiced concern over escalation of situation along the borders and warned that confrontation could lead to a "disaster of epic proportions" for the state.

Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi said a "strong message" has been sent with the surgical strikes by Army and insisted that Pakistan bears a "great responsibility" in the continuing cross-border attacks in India.

Offering her party's support to the government in the battle against terror, she said in a statement that "this is a strong message that conveys our country's resolve to prevent further infiltration and attacks on our security forces and our people".

Her son and party's Vice President Rahul Gandhi said that all stand firmly united against terrorism and those who support and sponsor it. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah said every Indian today feels safe in the fight against terrorism under his leadership.

"Today's strikes signal the rise of a new India where the Government doesn't get cowed down by nefarious designs of terrorists," Shah said.

BJP ally Shiv Sena, which has often taunted the central government over its alleged lack of action against Pakistan- based terrorists, congratulated the Prime Minister and said armed forces have the capacity "to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi".

Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "We congratulate the armed forces and government over this action. We should not step back and go ahead as India and armed forces have the capacity to unfurl the tricolour in Lahore and Karachi.

We congratulate the Prime Minister." NCP President and former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar also lauded the army while JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav said the whole country is one in support of the defence forces and the government. "Bravo Brave hearts! Feel proud of Jawans for Surgical Strike on terrorist camps in PoK," Pawar tweeted.