Punjab Leaders Unite in Support of Centre's Military Action After Pahalgam Massacre

• May 19, 2025

In a rare and powerful show of unity, Punjab’s major political parties have come together to strongly back the central government and the Indian armed forces following the launch of Operation Sindoor, a military offensive against Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam massacre.

With public emotions running high, leaders across party lines set aside political differences to rally behind national security efforts, invoking Punjab’s storied tradition of valour, sacrifice, and patriotism.

Cross-Party Praise for Armed Forces and National Leadership

Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa paid tribute to Punjabi soldiers, quoting Guru Gobind Singh:

“Our soldiers live by the words—‘Deh Shiva bar mohe ehe, subh karman te kabho na taron…’. These words define the courage and righteousness of our armed forces.”

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring condemned Pakistan as an “evil nation” and said:

“Our armed forces will chase you (the terrorists) to hell and bury you there. Enough is enough.”

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “decisive leadership and unambiguous stand against terrorism.” He commended the Indian armed forces for delivering a “crushing defeat to the enemies of peace” and lauded PM Modi’s diplomatic strategy:

“By forcing the Pakistan army to run for cover and seek a ceasefire through Washington, India has shown strength. If not for this outcome, Punjab would have suffered the worst in a full-blown war.”

CM Mann and BJP Leadership Echo Support with Caution and Appeals

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann voiced pride in the Indian Army, saying:

“Punjab stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave soldiers.”
However, he emphasized that Punjab always bears the brunt of border escalations and demanded a special relief package from the Centre:
“We must be compensated for the enormous sacrifices made by our people.”

BJP state president Sunil Jakhar offered a balanced perspective, expressing hope for peace but recognizing the necessity of action:

“War is not a TV spectacle. It brings massive loss of lives and a heavy financial burden.”
He reiterated that India’s military response was “precise, measured, and calibrated”, and blamed Pakistan’s establishment for stoking conflict:
“India never seeks escalation, but if provoked, we will respond with strength and resolve.”

Unified Front in Turbulent Times

The Pahalgam massacre has stirred national grief and outrage, but in Punjab — a border state with a history of bearing the first blow during hostilities — the response has been both emotional and resolute. Political leaders have set aside rivalry to stand united in support of the nation’s armed forces and strategic response, while also drawing attention to the need for support and rehabilitation for Punjab, should tensions persist.