Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 13 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, describing it as a 'true moment of encouragement' that left citizens highly motivated.

Speaking to ANI, Saha praised the success of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military response by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7 against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives.

He also thanked the Indian armed forces for their bravery, crediting their courage for the operation's success.

'Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, and his message was a true moment of encouragement for all of us. The citizens of our country felt highly motivated. Modi ji's message was very clear: our soldiers have responded to Pakistan in the language they understand, through Operation Sindoor,' CM Saha said.

'I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our Prime Minister for strategically surrounding Pakistan from all sides. I also want to thank our brave soldiers, because of their courage, Operation Sindoor has been successful. On the diplomatic front as well, India has given Pakistan a strong and fitting response,' he said.

The Tripura CM highlighted that Pakistan suffered significant losses in the operation, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

'Pakistan has suffered significant losses. After the Pahalgam incident, where on April 22, 26 innocent Indian civilians were killed by Islamic terrorists, the Prime Minister responded in a decisive manner. We all know that our Prime Minister does not believe in a passive approach--he has given a strong and bold reply to this terrorist attack. For that, we express our sincere gratitude to Modi ji and also to our armed forces,' CM Manik Saha said.

'Yesterday, Modi ji also made it absolutely clear that there will be no third-party mediation between India and Pakistan when it comes to terrorism. If Pakistan attacks, India will retaliate, he said this very clearly,' he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated PM Modi's firm stance against third-party mediation in India-Pakistan relations, particularly on terrorism. Saha further referenced Modi's statement that 'terror and trade cannot go hand in hand.'

'Modi ji emphasised that any conversation with Pakistan would only happen under two conditions: first, that Pakistan must hand over the terrorists hiding on its soil who are responsible for attacks on India; and second, Pakistan must vacate the areas of Jammu and Kashmir it illegally occupied during the Congress government's time. If these terms are not met, there will be no trade with Pakistan, and even the waters of the Sindh River will not be allowed to flow,' he said.

Saha termed Pakistan a 'terrorist state,' alleging that it recently honoured slain terrorists with its national flag.

'The decisions our country has taken under the leadership of the Prime Minister are absolutely relevant. Pakistan is a terrorist state. We've seen how recently, when Pakistani terrorists were killed, they were honoured with the Pakistani flag. Our Army, Navy, and all forces have given a fitting reply to every one of Pakistan's conspiracies, and for that, I offer my deepest thanks,' he said. (ANI)