BJP Nagaland state unit organised a Tiranga Yatra in Dimapur on Saturday to express solidarity and honour the armed forces for their valour during Operation Sindoor.
The rally led by state BJP unit president Benjamin Yepthomi started from Super Market and traversed through Walford and Burma Camp before culminating at DDSC Stadium.
The rally, joined by Nagaland governor, La Ganesan, saw participation from a diverse group of citizens, including students from approximately 10 schools, ex-servicemen and representatives from various organizations. Chanting slogans celebrating national unity and patriotism, students carried a massive 170-metre-long Indian national flag at the rally.
Addressing the gathering, PHED minister Jacob Zhimomi stated “We have always believed in non-violence and peaceful coexistence with our neighbours and the world”. However, he said when the sovereignty of the country is intruded upon and innocent citizens were attacked, it was imperative to stand united. The minister said that today’s rally was to honour brave armed forces who protect the motherland with unmatched dedication.
Further, Zhimomi said that the people of Nagaland stood in full solidarity with Operation Sindoor and the efforts of the government and security forces. The rally also included speeches from Pastor Romeo Sumi of Nagamese Baptist Church, Burma Camp, along with leaders from various organizations including Muslim Council Dimapur, Bengali Samaj, Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum, Western Students’ Union, Marwari Samaj Dimapur, Bihari Samaj, and Jain Yuva.
All the speakers expressed unwavering support for the Indian Army and paid homage to the sacrifices made by the armed forces. The event concluded with a collective pledge of unity and a resounding show of respect for the Indian armed forces.
‘Tiranga Yatras’ not a reflection of genuine patriotism: Cong leader
DIMAPUR, MAY 17 (NPN): AICC minority department national coordinator, Rajesh Kumar Sethi, on Saturday claimed that the ‘Tiranga Yatras’ being carried out by BJP and RSS were “nothing but an act of compulsion and political posturing, not a reflection of genuine patriotism.”
In a press release, Sethi maintained that RSS and BJP were compelled to publicly display the very national flag they had refused to hoist for decades at their headquarters in Nagpur only after “overwhelming success” of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, which embraced tricolour as a central symbol of unity and constitutional nationalism.
Further, Sethi alleged that BJP’s brand of nationalism was driven by vote-bank politics.
Congress leader said the nation remembers how the sacrifice of 40 CRPF jawans in the Pulwama attack was turned into a political campaign. “Yet to this day, no investigation report has been made public, and the country still awaits answers on how such a massive intelligence failure occurred and who was responsible,” Sethi added.
Further, accusing BJP of using Indian Army as a political tool, Sethi cited recent controversial remarks made by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda.
Vijay Shah allegedly called Colonel Qureshi a “sister of terrorists” while Devda courted a row after he said Amry personnel “bowed down at the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
“This proves that BJP’s nationalism is limited to photo-ops and electoral gain,” Sethi said.
In contrast, he said Congress Party launched the ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ across the country, not for votes, but to salute the Indian Army for its brave, accurate, and decisive actions against Pakistan.
Sethi said Congress party consider the Tiranga a symbol of pride, unity, and sacrifice — not a tool for political propaganda.