BJP holds Tiranga Yatra as tribute to armed forces
SHILLONG, May 16: The air in Shillong on Friday was filled with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” as the state BJP took out a Tiranga Yatra to pay homage to the valour and sacrifice of India’s armed forces personnel.
The Tricolour soared high as party leaders, members, and citizens marched from the BJP office to the Rhino Prerna Sthal, a memorial park dedicated to the heroes of the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Leading the march were state BJP president Rikman G. Momin and party legislators A.L. Hek and Sanbor Shullai. Along the way, many pedestrians joined in spontaneously, lending their voices to the patriotic slogans that echoed through the streets.
At the Rhino Prerna Sthal, the party leaders took turns to address the gathering, paying tribute to the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to national security. BJP chief spokesperson, Mariahom Kharkrang described the yatra as an expression of collective gratitude towards soldiers who serve selflessly.
He reminded the crowd of the countless families who have lost sons, husbands, and fathers in the line of duty, yet continue to support the armed forces with unflinching courage.
“This is to show our solidarity with the armed forces working 24×7 for us and protect the nation. We have lost many sons, husbands, and fathers and yet they continue to fight. We stand with our armed forces, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Army,” he said.
On May 17, MDC Bernard N. Marak will lead a similar Tiranga Yatra in Tura. Scheduled to begin from the District Auditorium, the procession will wind its way through the markets, Hawakhana, Ringre and return to the starting point.
Marak extended an open invitation to citizens, including leaders across political lines, church representatives, NGOs, and local community heads, urging everyone to participate. Emphasising that the rally should rise above political differences, he said the focus must remain on the shared pride and support for the nation’s armed forces.
The programme in Tura, like its Shillong counterpart, will serve as both a tribute and a moment of prayer for the safety, strength, and families of the men and women guarding the nation’s frontiers.