Are Prayers Being Held for Troops in Karnataka Mosques?

Bengaluru, May 9 (NationPress) Special prayers were conducted in mosques throughout Karnataka on Friday, focusing on the welfare of the Indian armed forces participating in 'Operation Sindoor' against Pakistan.

The Karnataka government had formally mandated these prayers.

Minister for Waqf, Housing and Minority Affairs, B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, took part in the 'Jummah Namaz' (Friday congregational prayer) at a mosque located in Seshadripuram, Bengaluru, praying for the courageous soldiers safeguarding the nation following the Pahalgam attack on innocent civilians and the rising tensions with Pakistan.

Reaffirming his previous comments, Minister Zameer stated once again that he is prepared to become a suicide bomber against Pakistan if given the opportunity.

In a statement to the media, he remarked, “Instructions have been issued to every mosque in Karnataka to hold special prayers. I also participated in the Friday prayers, joining others in seeking strength for our armed forces. This initiative is being implemented statewide.”

He further added, “Special prayers are being organized not only in Karnataka, but across the nation. Our religious leaders have called for such prayers to be held nationwide for the success of 'Operation Sindoor' and the safeguarding of our country.”

When confronted about the BJP's criticisms regarding his remarks about being willing to become a suicide bomber, Minister Zameer replied, “The BJP seems to lack any constructive agenda other than criticizing others. Have they contributed anything positive? What did I express that day? I indicated my readiness to sacrifice my life for the nation.”

He continued, “I still uphold my statement. If authorized, I would strap on a bomb and become a suicide bomber. The BJP governs at the Centre, so who should issue the order? The decision rests with the Prime Minister.”

“Let the Prime Minister make the call. Here stands a minister prepared to lay down his life for the nation. If he provides the order, I am ready,” Zameer emphasized.

“No matter what I do for my country, it will never be sufficient. This is our motherland. Should there be a need and permission is granted, I will act. I extend my wishes to our soldiers — may God bless them with strength and protection. I pray for this from my Allah,” he concluded.

After directing special worship in temples across the state, the Karnataka government had issued an order on Thursday for special prayers to be held in mosques on Friday for the safety of the armed forces involved in ‘Operation Sindoor’ against Pakistan.

This operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.

Minister Zameer had mandated the order and instructed the Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Waqf Board to guarantee that special prayers were conducted during Friday namaz in all mosques across the state.

In the order, Minister Zameer stated, “The Indian armed forces have effectively dismantled terrorist hideouts and shelters under 'Operation Sindoor', in retaliation for the deaths of 26 Indian tourists. To bolster the morale of our soldiers who are combating terrorism and striving to restore peace in the nation, it is directed that special prayers be conducted in all mosques under the Waqf Board, as well as in other mosques.”

Temples across Karnataka conducted special prayers on Thursday to deities, celebrating the accomplishments of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and praying for the well-being of Indian armed forces personnel, following directives from the state government.