Nagpurians vehemently expressed two diametrically opposite hues of patriotism, as they took a Candle March protest against the September 18 terror attacks on Army camp in Uri in Jammu & Kashmir. They expressed their solidarity and love towards martyred Indian jawans in the attack as they paid homage to them by lighting candles at Ajni square, Nagpur. This group, which comprised defence personnel, ex-servicemen, businessmen, students, etc, also displayed its anger against terrorist groups and Pakistan for allegedly carrying out these attacks, in which 17 Indian soldiers were killed and 19 got injured.

This candle march, which took place on Monday, September 19, saw the sloganeering by young and old alike. While they carried placards with Crush Pakistan? written over them, they raised slogans like ?Pakistan Murdabad? and ?Uri ke hatyaron ko, joote maro salo ko.

The poem by an Indian soldier – Kashmir toh hoga lekin Pakistan nahi hoga? – that has been going viral on the internet was also prominently audible against the backdrop of the candle march.

To view the poem by Indian soldier, Click here!

When Nation Next spoke to Brigadier Sunil Gaopande, who was at the helm of the candle march, said, A thorough investigation is being carried out on the Uri attacks.  There are many proofs that indicate Pakistans involvement in the Uri attacks, adding, Recently, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh released a statement, which says, Four heavily armed terrorists had opened fire on an administrative base of Indian Army at Uri in Kashmir at approximately 05:30 hrs in the morning and the operation continued till around 08:30. hrs. Next step has to be quick, decisive and apt as we are losing precious lives. We cannot overlook the circumstances we are facing. We should not waste more time on shaping up international opinion, as most of the countries in Asia are already against Pakistan and China. Our countrys part Kashmir, our beloved soldiers and people are in danger. To save our country from terror attacks, the Government of India should take imperative decisions.?

Photojournalist: Kartik Thakur