(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday praised and expressed gratitude to the Indian armed forces for launching precision strikes against the terror outfits in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir during 'Operation Sindoor', while also ensuring that the civilian population was not harmed.

Initiating the highly-anticipated debate on 'Operation Sindoor' in the Lok Sabha, Rajnath Singh said that even though the Indian forces had many options, they opted for the one which struck the terror targets and completely destroyed them, keeping strategic understanding and regional stability and security in mind.

"I pay tributes to the bravehearts who risked their lives in the line of duty for the nation. Today, they are also ready and on the forefront. I also pay homage and express the country's gratitude to those fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation," he said.

Recalling the launch of India's military action in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, the Defence Minister said: "On May 6-7, the Indian armed forces carried out a military action, named 'Operation Sindoor'. This was not just a military action but an effective and decisive demonstration of our policy to protect the sovereignty, identity of the country and our fight against terrorism."

Condemning the Pahalgam massacre, he called the terror attack an "inhumane and cowardly" act against India.

"On April 22, an inhumane and cowardly terror attack took place, in which 25 Indians and a Nepali citizen lost their lives. They were killed after being asked about their religion, which is a disgusting example of the most inhumane act. This attack was also a test of India's tolerance," he said.

The Defence Minister mentioned that soon after the terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting of the chiefs of the three forces and gave them a free hand to carry out "decisive action, keeping their judgement, strategic understanding and regional security in mind."

"After this, our military leadership not only showed its maturity but also presented a strategic wisdom, which is expected from a responsible power like India," Singh said.

"Before carrying out 'Operation Sindoor', our forces explored several ways and in the end decided to adopt a strategy where all the terror camps are completely destroyed and ensured that no civilian in Pakistan is harmed," Singh said.

Lauding the military action, the Defence Minister added, "The well-coordinated strikes carried out by our forces hit nine terror targets with precision. Additionally, in this military action, over 100 terrorists, including their masters and trainers, from terror outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed. I am trying to be very precise, but the number can be way more."

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