Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 20 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao described India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, as a 'great victory' for the nation.

Speaking to ANI, Sao highlighted that the Indian Armed Forces' destruction of nine terrorist hideouts and a training centre demonstrated India's resolve and the symbolic significance of sindoor.

'The way the Indian government took many historic and strong decisions after the Pahalgam incident, whether it was the matter of suspending the Indus Water Treaty, cancelling the visas of Pakistani citizens, closing the borders or the way Operation Sindoor was carried out, it was a great victory for India and for the Indian army,' he said.

Sao noted that the operation showcased India's willingness to take decisive action to eliminate terrorism.

'When they went 100 km inside Pakistan, destroyed nine terrorist hideouts, and demolished their training centre — and as it is being said that about 100 terrorists were killed — Operation Sindoor sent a message to the whole world about what the importance of sindoor in India is and that India can go to any extent to eliminate terrorists,' the Deputy CM added.

Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

On Sunday, Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai stated that the recent tensions between India and Pakistan were 'no less than a war'. He paid tribute to the five soldiers and several civilians who lost their lives due to Pakistani shelling across the Line of Control (LoC).

'The activities that have been going on for the last 3–4 days are no less than a war. Under normal circumstances, the air forces of the countries do not fly in the air and attack each other... Under normal circumstances, infiltration across the Line of Control is done by terrorists. We have information that the Pakistani army may also be involved in infiltration across the Line of Control, which is trying to harm our posts,' Ghai said during a press conference.

'I pay my solemn homage to my five fallen colleagues and brothers from the armed forces and civilians who tragically lost their lives in Operation Sindoor. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families... Their sacrifices shall always be remembered,' he added.

The DGMO also emphasised that while India has exercised significant restraint, any threat to the nation's sovereignty would be met with decisive force.

(ANI)