In a strong gesture of national solidarity, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday led a massive rally in Chennai to support the Indian armed forces and denounce recent terror attacks attributed to Pakistan-backed groups.
Waving the national flag, Mr. Stalin was joined by Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam and Director-General of Police Shankar Jiwal as they walked a 4-km stretch from the DGP’s office on Kamaraj Salai to the War Memorial near Fort St. George.
The rally drew participation from thousands of citizens, including students, nurses, ex-servicemen, police personnel, religious leaders, and members of various communities. Chants such as “Let us unite and stand for Nation’s security” and “Tamil Nadu will stand with the Nation against terrorism” echoed along the route, emphasizing a unified stand against terror.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi lauded the event, appreciating the Chief Minister for expressing the collective support of over eight crore Tamils toward the armed forces.
Prominent political leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Public Works Minister E.V. Velu, HR & CE Minister P.K. Sekarbabu, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, MPs Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran, MDMK leader Vaiko, and TNCC president Selvaperunthagai also participated, demonstrating cross-party support for the cause.
To ensure comfort in the searing summer heat, the state government had arranged over 200 tents along the route, mobile toilets, water tankers, chairs, and 10 medical camps equipped with ORS, emergency medications, and 15 ambulances.
At the culmination of the march, Mr. Stalin paid floral tribute to the portraits of the 26 victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, displayed at the War Memorial. The rally also coincided with a moment of diplomatic relief, as India and Pakistan announced a truce agreement, offering a temporary pause in tensions.
