DW BUREAU / Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday alleged that the Central government declared a ceasefire with Pakistan without taking the three armed forces into confidence and said the "announcement came through social media from a third country".

"The Union government declared a ceasefire without taking the three armed forces into confidence and shockingly, the announcement came through social media from a third country," he said addressing the 'Jai Hind Sabha' here.

The chief minister said this is in stark contrast to the decisive leadership of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, who never compromised with national security.

Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Sukhu said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to offer unconditional support to the Union government in the fight against terrorism, a statement issued here said.

"Our brave soldiers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists," said Sukhu and paid heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers of Himachal Pradesh and the nation.

The Himachal Pradesh government and people of the state have always stood with the Indian armed forces, he added.

India carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack the Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Indian forces launched a fierce counter-attack on several Pakistani military installations.

India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the military confrontation after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.

Sharing a recent experience, the chief minister mentioned his recent visit to Sharchi village in Tirthan Valley, where he stayed at the home of former soldier -- Subedar Major Anoop Ram.

(editor@dailyworld.in)