New Delhi:
On February 14, 2019, a devastating suicide bombing in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, marking one of the most tragic days in India’s recent history. Six years later, the nation remembers the valour and sacrifice of these brave soldiers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes, emphasizing the enduring impact of their sacrifice. In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Homage to the courageous heroes we lost in Pulwama in 2019. The coming generations will never forget their sacrifice and their unwavering dedication to the nation.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to combating terrorism. “On this day in 2019, I pay heartfelt tributes from a grateful nation to the brave soldiers who attained martyrdom in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama,” Shah stated. He underscored that terrorism is a global enemy and that the Modi government is resolute in its “zero tolerance” policy against it.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage, highlighting the nation’s unity in honouring the fallen soldiers. “On this day in 2019, India lost our brave CRPF personnel in a gruesome terrorist attack in Pulwama. Their sacrifice for the nation will never be forgotten. I pay homage to them and offer unwavering support to their families,” Singh wrote.
The attack, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), involved a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This incident resulted in the deaths of 40 soldiers and injured more than 35, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian security forces.
In response to the attack, India launched a significant military operation known as the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019. The Indian Air Force targeted JeM’s largest terror training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, marking the first airstrike inside Pakistan since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war.
Other leaders, including Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Piyush Goyal, and Nitin Gadkari, as well as state leaders like UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, also paid their respects. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP Spokesperson Sambit Patra joined in the tributes, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude and resolve against terrorism.
The Pulwama attack and its aftermath serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s security forces and the nation’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.
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