Referring to the last year’s skirmish with Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Operation Sindoor was India’s resolve to demonstrate that “epicentres” of terrorism are no longer immune to “justifiable punishment”.Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he underlined the need to forge a unified front to tackle the “evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism by eliminating havens and rejecting any political exceptions.He asserted that the sight of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism which attacked the sovereignty of a nation must not be lost as there was no place for double standards. The minister, in an obivious reference to Pakistan’s abetment to terrorism, said: “SCO should not hesitate in seeking appropriate action against those who abet, shelter and provide safe havens to terrorists”. Pakistan is a member of the SCO.Rajnath went onto add that by tackling terrorism, separatism and extremism without exception, regional security was transformed from a challenge into a cornerstone for peace and prosperity.Describing counter-terrorism as a foundational principle of SCO, he said the organisation had condemned such acts and ideologies in a common fight against the menace.He recalled last year’s Tianjin Declaration which brought out India’s firm and collective stance against terrorism, terming it as a testimony to the country’s zero-tolerance outlook towards terrorism and its perpetrators. “The real test of collective credibility remains in consistency. We must not forget that terrorism has no nationality and no theology. Nations must take a firm & collective stance against terrorism,” he added.He highlighted the significant role being played by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO, stating that the joint statement of the Heads of State on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during India’s Chairmanship symbolises shared commitment in this regard. He further said, in view of the present global uncertainties, SCO held a pivotal role as today’s world view appears fractured and countries are becoming increasingly inward-looking.The Defence Minister added that it was the responsibility of SCO to ensure regional as well as global peace and stability.