Today marks the sixth anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack, a tragic incident that claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers, including Malayali jawan VV Vasanthakumar. The horrifying suicide bombing occurred on February 14, 2019, when a convoy of CRPF personnel was ambushed in Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The devastating attack unfolded as a Scorpio van, packed with 100 kg of explosives, rammed into a bus carrying CRPF jawans. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the immediate martyrdom of 40 personnel from the 76th Battalion and leaving several others severely injured. The Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack, with the suicide bomber identified as Adil Ahmed, a resident of Pulwama.
India’s Retaliation and Global Response
In response to the attack, India launched a counter-offensive on February 26, 2019, targeting the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The Indian Air Force carried out precision airstrikes, marking one of the most significant military operations against terrorism.
Later, in August 2020, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a 13,500-page chargesheet against 19 individuals, including Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Masood Azhar was subsequently designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
As India observes Pulwama Day, the nation honors the sacrifices of its brave soldiers and reaffirms its commitment to eradicating terrorism. Memorials and tributes across the country remind citizens of the courage and resilience of India’s armed forces, ensuring that the sacrifices of the Pulwama martyrs are never forgotten.
