Why Did the K’taka Government Order Special Prayers for Armed Forces?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government mandates special prayers in mosques for armed forces.
- Operation Sindoor initiated in response to Pahalgam terror attack.
- Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan oversees the prayer directives.
- Over 34,000 temples participating in prayer services.
- Community solidarity emphasized through interfaith prayers.
Bengaluru, May 8 (NationPress) Following the directive for special worship in temples throughout the state, the Karnataka government has mandated that special prayers be held on Friday in mosques for the armed forces engaged in ‘Operation Sindoor’, aimed at countering threats from Pakistan.
This operation was initiated as a response to the tragic Pahalgam terror incident, which resulted in the loss of 26 tourists.
The order was issued by B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare. He instructed the Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka State Waqf Board to ensure that special prayers are conducted during Friday namaz in mosques statewide.
In his statement, Minister Zameer emphasized: “The Indian armed forces have effectively neutralized terrorist hideouts under Operation Sindoor, in retaliation for the murder of 26 Indian tourists. To uplift the spirits of our soldiers who are combating terrorism and striving to restore peace, it is important that special prayers are recited in all Waqf Board mosques and others.”
On Thursday, temples across Karnataka performed special prayers to deities, celebrating the achievements of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and seeking blessings for the safety of Indian armed forces members, adhering to the state government's directives.
More than 34,000 temples come under the Muzrai Department, and the Karnataka government had instructed these temples to conduct special prayers in honor of the successes of ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Priests performed special worship dedicated to the Indian armed forces, and a ‘Sankalpa puja’ was conducted to fortify and safeguard the soldiers.
In numerous temples throughout the North Karnataka region, a ‘mangalsutra’ (a sacred necklace symbolizing marital commitment) was placed before the deity as part of the rituals.
Special prayers and offerings were made, invoking divine blessings for the nation's defenders.
Previously, a video of Zameer Khan circulated widely on social media, where he claimed he was prepared to become a suicide bomber in the name of India and confront Pakistan with explosives.