New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was underway on Tuesday, February 26, in the wake of reports claimed by Islamabad that Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and returned after dropping a payload in Pakistan.

All the IAF bases were on high alert anticipating a reaction from Pakistan to the strikes carried out by the Indian fighter jets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Balakot early on Tuesday.

Sources said that the IAF bases along the borders and inside are fully geared to deal with any eventuality. Air defence systems were activated to deal with any intruders along the International Border and the LoC.

The airborne radars were keeping a close vigil on the activities inside Pakistan, the sources added.

The CCS meeting was also attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and other government officials.

Though the Centre was yet to make an official statement, Minister of State for Agriculture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tweeted that the IAF carried out aerial strikes across the LoC and destroyed terrorist camps.

Shekhawat is the first functionary of the government to confirm from the Indian side that the strikes have taken place.

Some of the prominent veterans, who retired recently, have already hailed the move.

“Air strikes by 12 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft at terror camps in Balakot this morning. 1,000 kg precision bombs used. Pakistan accepts. See images below,” tweeted retired Lt Gen Satish Dua, who served as chief of the integrated staff to the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee till November 2018.

Former Director General of Military Operations retired Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia said that India demonstrated political and military will by “apparently” employing the air strikes.