Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in Varanasi.
People celebrated "Choti Diwali" on September 29 -- the day the Indian army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency.
Addressing public rally after launching slew of projects in his Lok Sabha constituency, PM Modi said, "When on September 29, our forces achieved that momentous feat, all residents of Kashi celebrated in joy".
"Some residents called me and told me about how the people of Kashi have already celebrated Choti Diwali... My happiness knows no bounds when our forces are respected, celebrated like this," he said, adding that the people of India do not "shy away" from honouring the forces.
Reminding the people that they will celebrate the festival of lights shortly with friends and family, he said, "all of this becomes possible when a mother's dear son, posted at the border, ever-vigilant, chooses to do so in the name of serving his country."
Last week, praising the army for the strikes, PM Modi had likened it to the exploits of Israel. He said the army's action had won accolades from around the world.
On September 29, soldiers crossed over the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and destroyed launchpads areas for terrorists who, the army said, were getting ready to enter India to carry out a series of attacks.
The opposition, however, has criticised the BJP, accusing it of trying to capitalize on the surgical strikes ahead of a string of assembly elections that will be held next year. Uttar Pradesh is one of the states heading for elections.
The main opposition Congress and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal have said the government should share evidence to rebut Pakistan's claim that the strikes were nothing but an exaggeration of cross-border firing. The government has dismissed the suggestion.