Mumbai, Feb 26 (IANS): Maharashtra leaders cutting across party lines on Tuesday welcomed the Indian action against terror groups operating from Pakistan's safe havens in Balakot in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "kept his word" that the sacrifices of 40 CRPF troopers killed in the Pulwama attacks would not go in vain.

"The armed forces have shown their strength and proved what it can do to avenge our soldiers' lives... The camps where Pakistan was training terrorists and sending them to India have been completely destroyed," Fadnavis said.

Ruling ally Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut said: "I salute the bravery of the IAF pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan."

State Congress President Ashok Chavan said: "Salute to our brave fighter of the Indian Air Force... Jai Hind!"

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar tweeted: "Salutes to IAF for giving befitting reply to the terrorists operating from POK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir). We are all with the government in this hour of crisis."

State Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi celebrated the IAF action by waving the national tricolour and distributing sweets in the Vidhan Bhavan here.

Mumbai Dabbawalas Association spokesperson Subhash Talekar complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said now "go ahead and teach Pakistan a lesson... The country stands behind you".

"The Muslims offered a special 'shukrana namaz' (Thanksgiving prayer) in different mosques in the city," said All India Muslim Minority Front President Asif Bhamla.