Black Day: Remembering the Pulwama Attack of February 14, 2019

February 14, often associated with love and celebration, turned into a day of mourning for India in 2019. On this day, a devastating terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, took the lives of 40 brave CRPF personnel. The incident, carried out by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), remains one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in India’s history. The Pulwama attack not only shook the nation but also led to a strong response from India, both militarily and diplomatically.

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Table of Contents

The Attack: A Dark Day in Indian History

On February 14, 2019, a convoy of over 2,500 CRPF personnel, traveling in 78 vehicles, was heading towards Srinagar on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. As the convoy reached Lethpora in Pulwama, a suicide bomber, later identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed an explosive-laden car into one of the buses. The explosion was so powerful that it instantly killed 40 soldiers and severely injured many others.

Jaish-e-Mohammed later released a video claiming responsibility for the attack, sparking outrage across India. The nation mourned the loss of its brave soldiers, while citizens and leaders demanded strong action against those responsible.

India’s Response: A Strong Retaliation

In the wake of the Pulwama attack, India vowed to take decisive action. The government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took both diplomatic and military steps to respond.

Balakot Air Strikes: A Bold Move

On February 26, 2019, just 12 days after the attack, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted airstrikes on terrorist training camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The mission reportedly eliminated a significant number of terrorists, marking a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. This was the first time since the 1971 war that India conducted airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory.

International Support and Condemnation of Terrorism

The global community stood in solidarity with India, strongly condemning the Pulwama attack. Nations such as the United States, Russia, France, Japan, and Australia expressed their support for India and called for action against terror groups.

A major diplomatic victory for India came in May 2019, when the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) officially designated Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. This step further isolated Pakistan on the global stage and increased pressure on the country to act against terror organizations operating from its soil.

A Lasting Impact on India-Pakistan Relations

The Pulwama attack further deteriorated relations between India and Pakistan, leading to heightened tensions at the border. The subsequent Balakot airstrikes and Pakistan’s retaliation resulted in an aerial confrontation, with Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman being captured and later released by Pakistan.

While diplomatic efforts continue, the attack reinforced India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and the need for strong security measures.

Remembering the Martyrs: A Nation Stands United

Every year, February 14 is observed as a Black Day to honor the sacrifices of the 40 CRPF jawans who laid down their lives for the nation. Tributes are paid across the country, and their bravery serves as a reminder of the constant threats India faces.

This tragic event also strengthened the resolve of the Indian armed forces and security agencies to prevent such attacks in the future. Advanced intelligence sharing, improved surveillance, and stricter security protocols have since been implemented.

Conclusion

The Pulwama attack of 2019 remains a painful chapter in India’s history, but it also highlighted the nation’s resilience. While the loss of 40 brave soldiers can never be undone, their sacrifice continues to inspire the country to stay united against terrorism. India stands firm in its commitment to national security and honoring those who protect it.