LUCKNOW: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor with the precision of skilled surgeons who struck at the roots of terrorism in Pakistan while ensuring civilian areas were not harmed.“The Indian armed forces specifically targeted the core of terrorist shelters and training centres with utmost accuracy. Pakistan, following its typical pattern, was reluctant to acknowledge this and attempted to retaliate by attacking Indian territory and civilian targets, including temples, gurdwaras and churches,” said Rajnath, who had supervised the operation from New Delhi.Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of a hospital in Lucknow, Rajnath encouraged all Indians to appreciate the Indian defence forces’ valour in Operation Sindoor.“The Indian military’s response was decisive, effectively subduing the Pakistani forces. Our counter-measures were strategically focused on terrorist installations while carefully avoiding civilian areas in Pakistan. The armed forces executed this operation with remarkable precision, deserving wholehearted commendation and recognition. Let us applaud their bravery,” said the Lucknow MP.Drawing comparisons between military personnel and healthcare professionals, Singh said, “Both professions protect citizens; medical professionals safeguard health, while soldiers ensure national security. Both receive extensive training and encounter difficult situations requiring crucial decisions. They maintain constant preparedness for emergencies, whether in healthcare or military operations.”“While the nation recently witnessed the valour of Indian forces during Operation Sindoor, back during Covid pandemic times, we witnessed the courage and commitment of our medical professionals,” added Rajnath.Earlier in the day, Rajnath was accorded a warm welcome by BJP functionaries upon his arrival at Lucknow airport.