Why are Varanasi locals celebrating India’s victory over Pakistan?

Synopsis
In Varanasi, PM Modi's constituency, locals celebrate India's successful military operation against Pakistan with traditional rituals and devotion. The community's vibrant festivities, including chanting and offerings to PM Modi's poster, reflect their patriotism and strong support for the government's actions. Discover the sentiments behind this unique celebration and its implications.
Key Takeaways
- Varanasi locals celebrated India's military success with traditional rituals.
- The event highlighted strong community support for PM Modi's leadership.
- Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist camps, resulting in significant casualties among militants.
- Local sentiments were fueled by the tragic loss of civilians in previous attacks.
- Celebrations reflect a complex mix of patriotism and calls for diplomatic resolutions.
Varanasi, May 14 (NationPress) Excitement filled the air in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, as the community celebrated India's triumphant military action against Pakistan. In a remarkable display of faith and nationalism, residents poured 51 litres of milk over a poster of PM Modi, engaging in religious ceremonies such as Sankhnaad, Rudrabhishek, and Dugdhabhishek, all while chanting Vedic mantras.
This festive occasion followed Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation conducted by India on May 7 as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians. The operation successfully targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Defence Ministry reported that the 25-minute operation led to the neutralization of over 100 terrorists.
IANS gathered insights from local residents.
Bhim Singh expressed, “Today, we are honoring PM Modi's leadership. Our armed forces executed Operation Sindoor with precision. This should send a strong message to Pakistan. I wish the operation had continued longer for a more profound retaliation.”
Another local, Navneet Pandey, remarked, “The loss of 26 innocent lives in Pahalgam impacted us deeply. PM Modi's strong leadership has been pivotal. His diplomatic and military strategies deserve recognition, which is why we performed a Dugdhabhishek of his poster along with drums and chants.”
During Operation Sindoor, over 100 terrorists were eliminated. Army officials noted that 24 precision strikes were executed across nine different targets within a brief span of 25 minutes on the morning of May 7.
Reports indicate significant damage to the Pakistan air force, with approximately 20 percent of its infrastructure being destroyed in Indian strikes. Numerous fighter jets were lost, and it is believed that more than 30-40 soldiers from their army perished.
India targeted around 10-11 airbases in Pakistan, many of which house key fighter jets. The strikes inflicted severe damage, destroying ammunition depots and airbases like Sargodha and Bholari, where the PAF’s F-16 and J-17 aircraft were stationed.
Following four days of intense conflict, India and Pakistan reached an agreement to halt operations.