Amid the rising Indo-Pak tensions, the Opposition on Wednesday condemned the ruling BJPs "blatant politicisation" of the armed forces sacrifices and also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not convening an all-party meeting.
Representatives of 21 opposition parties, including Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, met in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakot in Pakistan.
In a joint statement, they "expressed deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of sacrifices made by the armed forces by leaders of the ruling party."
"National security must transcend narrow political considerations," they said, adding the Prime Minister has, regrettably, not convened an-all party meeting as per the established practice in our democracy.
They also condemned the dastardly Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored JeM and lauded the action taken by the IAF against the terrorist camp on Tuesday and praised the Indian Armed Forces for their valour and bravery. "The meeting paid homage to our martyrs and expressed solidarity with our Armed Forces in crushing the menace of terrorism," the statement said.
The leaders also expressed concern on the emerging security situation.
With the Ministry of External Affairs confirming targeting of Indian military installations and loss of one fighter aircraft, the leaders condemned the Pakistani misadventure and expressed deep concern for the safety of pilot who the MEA announced to be “missing in action”. Meanwhile Pakistan has been claiming that they have one IAF pilot in their custody.
The leaders urged the Modi government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.
While there has been no further communication from the Indian government, Pakistan PM Imran Khan addressed his country earlier today. He said that they were ready to invite India for dialogue, and that “better sense should prevail”.