The march was led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was seen carrying a tricolour, accompanied by several of her cabinet’s ministers.
“Thousands of people came on the roads carrying national flags. India’s 140 crore people are with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, the country’s decisions and the armed forces,” Gupta said.
“Pakistan knows that if it will cast an evil eye on India, it will get a befitting reply. The country is with the armed forces. The country is united and together in this hour,” she added.
Besides the BJP workers, the rally was attended by schoolchildren, who turned up in uniform, NCC cadets, and civil defence volunteers.
Delhi minister Kapil Mishra praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of the armed conflict that lasted for days.
“It is for the first time in world history that a leader took the decision to attack the airbase of an atomic nation. The excitement is palpable as one can see lakhs of national flags here,” he said.
Radha, a volunteer associated with Aapda Mitra, told PTI, “I think such kind of marches and events lend strength and foster unity among citizens and we all gathered here to show our support to our armed forces. We gave an appropriate reply to terrorism.” Ramesh Chaudhary, a BJP supporter, said, “You can never trust Pakistan, India will always be alert now.” “I am very proud of my country. Our army did a very good job,” said Priyanshi Goel, a Class 12 student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Khajuri Khas. “In the Pahalgam attack, men were killed and women were spared, portraying our women as helpless. But our Indian girls, who serve in our army have shown that we are not weak. Women are capable of responding — and I believe they are even braver than men.” Ritu Goel from Rajouri Garden credited Modi with a successful helming of the armed conflict.
“PM Modi has given an appropriate response. When we heard about the ceasefire, we felt he should not stop now. But when he came on TV at 8 last night and said the war is still ongoing, our trust in him deepened. We believe a stronger response is on its way.” Promila, a disaster response volunteer from Shahdara, wasn’t as satisfied: “Our response was tit-for-tat, but I feel we fell short. None of the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack have been neutralised yet.” Jamia Millia Islamia also hosted Tiranga march on Tuesday to observe its ‘Pratham’ campaign in support of the nation first’.
Jamia Vice-Chancellor Prof Mazhar Asif said, “JMI salutes the Indian Armed Forces for their extraordinary courage and determination to defend our borders and safeguard national security. The Tiranga March is being conducted today to honour our valiant soldiers and to salute the resilience and tenacity exhibited by the Government of India since the start of Operation Sindoor. Above all, we have gathered here to pledge to place the nation above all else.” Operation Sindoor, launched by India on the night of May 6–7, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military bases between May 8 and 10, prompting India to respond with strikes on key installations in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. PTI SJV MHS SLB VN VN
