KKN Gurugram Desk | February 14, 2019, remains a painful reminder of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in India’s history. On this day, a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed the lives of 40 brave soldiers, leaving the nation in mourning. Even after six years, the scars of that tragic event remain fresh in the hearts of Indians.
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The Pulwama Terror Attack: What Happened?
On the afternoon of February 14, 2019, around 3 PM, a suicide bomber belonging to the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out a devastating attack. Adil Ahmad Dar, a local youth radicalized by JeM, drove a vehicle packed with explosives into a CRPF convoy moving towards Srinagar.
The convoy had 78 vehicles carrying around 2,500 security personnel. As the explosive-laden car rammed into one of the buses, a massive explosion followed. The blast was so powerful that it destroyed the bus instantly and caused significant damage to nearby vehicles. The sound of the explosion was heard from miles away, and the site was filled with debris, smoke, and chaos.
Immediate Aftermath: National Outrage and Mourning
The attack led to widespread outrage across the country. The injured personnel were rushed to the nearest military hospital, but many succumbed to their injuries. Families of the martyred soldiers were devastated, and the entire nation stood in solidarity with them.
The mortal remains of the soldiers were airlifted to Delhi’s Palam Airbase, where they were given full state honors. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, along with top military officials and political leaders, paid tribute to the fallen heroes. People across India held candle marches and paid their respects to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice.
India’s Strong Response: Balakot Airstrike
Just 12 days after the Pulwama attack, India launched a major counter-operation against the perpetrators. On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out Balakot Airstrike, targeting JeM training camps in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
- Around 3 AM, a fleet of 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and struck key terror bases.
- India used precision-guided bombs to destroy terror camps, eliminating an estimated 300 terrorists.
- The airstrike sent a strong message that India would not tolerate terrorism and would retaliate with full force.
The Balakot strike was one of the biggest military actions taken by India against cross-border terrorism. It showcased India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to national security.
Tracking Down the Masterminds: India’s Crackdown on Terrorists
Following the Pulwama attack, Indian security forces intensified counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Within a short time, the main conspirators were neutralized in various encounters:
- Adil Ahmad Dar, the suicide bomber, died in the attack.
- Mudasir Khan, one of the key planners, was eliminated in an operation by security forces.
- JeM commanders, including Pakistani operatives, were tracked down and killed.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a detailed probe, resulting in a 13,500-page charge sheet. The investigation confirmed that Pakistan-based JeM handlers orchestrated the attack, with local support from radicalized militants in Kashmir.
Global Reactions: International Support for India
The Pulwama attack drew condemnation from across the world. Several countries, including the United States, France, Russia, and Japan, expressed solidarity with India. The United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) also denounced the terrorist attack.
As a result of India’s diplomatic efforts, Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in May 2019. This was a major diplomatic victory for India in the fight against terrorism.
Impact on India-Pakistan Relations
The Pulwama attack and subsequent Balakot airstrikes led to a sharp deterioration in India-Pakistan relations. Tensions escalated along the LoC, and there were multiple cross-border skirmishes.
On February 27, 2019, the situation intensified when Pakistan Air Force (PAF) retaliated and an Indian MiG-21 Bison, flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was shot down. Abhinandan was captured but later released by Pakistan on March 1, 2019, under international pressure. His return was seen as a diplomatic win for India.
Security Measures Post-Pulwama Attack
After the attack, India took several strategic measures to prevent similar incidents:
- Increased Security in Kashmir: Surveillance and security along highways in Jammu and Kashmir were enhanced.
- Crackdown on Terror Groups: India took strict action against separatist leaders and terror supporters.
- Diplomatic Isolation of Pakistan: India worked with international partners to blacklist Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
- Stronger Border Control: Additional forces were deployed along the LoC to counter cross-border terrorism.
Pulwama Attack Anniversary: Remembering the Martyrs
As India marks the sixth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, tributes pour in from across the country. People remember the 40 brave CRPF soldiers who lost their lives protecting the nation.
Every year on February 14, memorial services are held across India to honor the fallen heroes. The attack is not just a tragic event; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
The Pulwama attack was a dark chapter in India’s history, but it also demonstrated the nation’s resilience. India stood united in grief and responded with strength, strategy, and determination.
The sacrifices of the CRPF soldiers will never be forgotten. Their bravery continues to inspire millions, reminding us that national security must always remain a top priority.
Even after six years, the spirit of these martyrs lives on, strengthening India’s resolve to fight terrorism at every level.
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