Varanasi: A Muslim delegation operating under the banner of Vishal Bharat Sansthan staged a symbolic funeral procession for Türkiye and Pakistan in Varanasi’s Lamahi area on Sunday, accusing both nations of abetting terrorism, reported the TNN.
The march began at Netaji Subhash Temple, where participants displayed effigies draped in black cloth and chanted slogans denouncing Ankara and Islamabad. Leading the procession, religious leaders Afsar Baba and Shahabuddin carried earthen pitchers traditionally used in last rites, before performing mock funeral rituals on the village’s main road.
Addressing supporters, organisation president Rajeev Shriguruji recalled India’s humanitarian aid to Türkiye after last year’s earthquake and condemned the country for “arming Pakistan to undermine India’s security.”
“We renounce all ties with such a Türkiye,” he declared, urging an economic and diplomatic boycott of both nations.
Local activist Naushad Ahmed Dubey branded Türkiye “deceitful by nature,” while several participants—including Afroz Pandey, Liaqat Ali, Archana Bharatvanshi and others—echoed calls for citizens to shun products and links associated with the two countries.
No clashes were reported, though police maintained a watchful presence throughout the demonstration.
