New Delhi, August 14: Operation Sindoor sent a firm message to terrorists and their backers that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions, President Draupadi Murmu said on Friday, noting that the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is a decisive step in the interest of the nation, especially the farmers.

In her Address to the Nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Murmu also said that making India Naxal-free is a major achievement of the government.

Without naming Pakistan, the President said the Indus Waters Treaty has been suspended with a country that "harbours terrorism".

She said India takes pride in its tradition of overcoming the forces hostile to humanity, for upholding truth and justice. She recalled that the country observed Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26.

The President highlighted the prowess of the Indian military and said that Operation Sindoor, carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision.

"On the May 7, we commemorated the completion of one year since the launch of Operation Sindoor. We remembered the unmatched valour of our Armed Forces. That historic operation against terrorism demonstrated the capability of the Indian Armed Forces to act with precision. It sent a clear and firm message to terrorists and those who support them, that no matter where they hide, they will have to face the consequences of their actions," the President said.

"Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with the country that harbours terrorism is a decisive step in the interest of our nation, especially the farmers," she added.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India in response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed. The attack was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists who targeted civilians after asking about their religion. The attack was seen as an attempt to trigger communal tensions in India.

India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK under Operation Sindoor to punish the perpetrators and planners of terrorism and destroy terror camps and training facilities. Following escalation by Pakistan, India pounded its airbases, forcing it to seek a ceasefire. All three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack were killed in 'Operation Mahadev' by the Army, CRPF, and J-K Police.

A decisive move under Operation Sindoor was India's termination of the Indus Waters Treaty.

The government said that the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. This has far-reaching consequences for Pakistan, a country heavily dependent on the Indus River system for 80% of its 16 million hectares of agricultural land and 93% of its total water use.

In her Address, the President said that for decades, Naxalism posed a serious challenge to the nation but today enthusiasm prevails in the affected areas due to the efforts of security forces.

"Making India Naxal free is a major achievement. Today, enthusiasm prevails in the areas once affected by Naxalism. All-inclusive development is underway in these regions," she said.

President Murmu said a large number of players took part in the Bastar Olympics, and many artists showcased their talent in Bastar Pandum, which were enjoyed by large number of people. (ANI)