<p>On this day, India marks the 5th&nbsp;anniversary of one of the deadliest terror attacks carried out on its security forces, which took place in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives. India also considers February 14 as ‘Black Day’ due to the attack which brought the country to a standstill after a suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed a vehicle full of explosives into a CRPF convoy. After a few days, the Indian Air Force bombed the JeM camps in Pakistan’s Balakot sector, and as per reports, hundreds of&nbsp;terrorists were said to have been killed during the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened that day in Pulwama?</strong></h2>

<p>On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy which comprised a total of 78 buses in which around 2,500 paramilitary personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. The&nbsp;explosive-laden vehicle rammed into a bus killing 40 members of the CRPF. The attack&nbsp;took place on Jammu-Kashmir National Highway (NH) 44 at around 3:15 pm (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-4th-anniversary-when-india-raided-birthplace-of-jihad-in-south-asia-explained-561852">Pulwama attack 4th anniversary: When India raided birthplace of jihad in South Asia | Explained</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, the JeM released a video and claimed responsibility for the attack and the suicide bomber was later identified as 22-year-old, Adil Ahmad Dar who was reportedly a resident of the Pulwama district of south Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India’s reaction to the attack</strong></h2>

<p>The attack evoked a sharp reaction from across the nation and the next day the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while condemning the incident accused Pakistan of giving “full freedom” to Masood Azhar, leader of the JeM to operate in its country. At the time, the MEA, in a statement said, “JeM is led by global terrorist Masood Azhar, who is given full freedom by Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “India condemns Pulwama terror attack; heinous, despicable act perpetrated by Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. We demand Pakistan should stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from its territory and dismantle terror infrastructure.” However, Pakistan had once again&nbsp;denied these claims. Subsequently, political parties in India unanimously passed a resolution to support the security forces and the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469/#pulwama-attack-197454">Over 100 kg explosive used in Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans</a></strong></p>

<p>After the attack, customs duty on all Pakistani goods was increased to 200 per cent and India also stripped Pakistan’s status as the Most Favoured Nation (MFN). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said that security forces have been given “full freedom” to choose a “time and place” for the “future course of action”. He also said that terrorists have “made a big mistake” and “will have to pay a very heavy price” for their actions.</p>

<h2><strong>Balakot airstrike</strong></h2>

<p>Indian security forces launched a counter-attack named ‘Operation Bandar’ and carried out airstrikes on February 26, 2019, in the Balakot region at JeM camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The province in question is some 50 km from the Line of Control (LoC) where the Indian Air Force (IAF) sent Israel-made “smart bombs” and 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets and reportedly killed hundreds of terrorists. The targeted terror camp in the region was said to be an important training centre for the JeM and other terror organisations. Notably, this was the first aerial assault carried out by India in Pakistan since the war between the two nations in 1971.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan retaliates</strong></h2>

<p>A day after the Balakot airstrikes by India, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and several F-16s entered Indian airspace on February 27, 2019, and were said to have attempted to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, but the attack&nbsp;was foiled by the IAF. According to reports, one F-16 aircraft and two Indian MiG-21 Bisons were destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iafs-balakot-airstrikes-how-operation-bandar-surprised-pakistan-366360/#operation-bandar-366351">IAF's Balakot airstrikes: How 'Operation Bandar' surprised Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, Pakistan claimed to have taken two IAF pilots and later changed its statement to say only one IAF pilot was in custody which was later confirmed by the MEA. The next day, the now-former PM Imran Khan announced that he would release the captured IAF Wing&nbsp;Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on March 1. The MIG-21 fighter jet pilot had shot down PAF’s F-16 but lost his aircraft also and landed in Pakistani territory, as per reports he was detained and interrogated. The IAF commander was later conferred with India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal, the Vir Chakra.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi pays homage to brave heroes&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi took to X, earlier on Wednesday (Feb 14), and paid tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack and wrote, “I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered”.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1757602109132767534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This year, India's&nbsp;security forces, including the CRPF,&nbsp;have planned&nbsp;events&nbsp;to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attack. Additionally,&nbsp;various institutes and&nbsp;organisations across India&nbsp;have also planned events to pay&nbsp;tribute to the&nbsp;CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


On this day, India marks the 5th anniversary of one of the deadliest terror attacks carried out on its security forces, which took place in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives.

On this day, India marks the 5th anniversary of one of the deadliest terror attacks carried out on its security forces, which took place in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives. India also considers February 14 as ‘Black Day’ due to the attack which brought the country to a standstill after a suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) rammed a vehicle full of explosives into a CRPF convoy. After a few days, the Indian Air Force bombed the JeM camps in Pakistan’s Balakot sector, and as per reports, hundreds of terrorists were said to have been killed during the attack. What happened that day in Pulwama? On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy which comprised a total of 78 buses in which around 2,500 paramilitary personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. The explosive-laden vehicle rammed into a bus killing 40 members of the CRPF. The attack took place on Jammu-Kashmir National Highway (NH) 44 at around 3:15 pm (local time). Also Read | Pulwama attack 4th anniversary: When India raided birthplace of jihad in South Asia | Explained Subsequently, the JeM released a video and claimed responsibility for the attack and the suicide bomber was later identified as 22-year-old, Adil Ahmad Dar who was reportedly a resident of the Pulwama district of south Kashmir. India’s reaction to the attack The attack evoked a sharp reaction from across the nation and the next day the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while condemning the incident accused Pakistan of giving “full freedom” to Masood Azhar, leader of the JeM to operate in its country. At the time, the MEA, in a statement said, “JeM is led by global terrorist Masood Azhar, who is given full freedom by Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure.” It added, “India condemns Pulwama terror attack; heinous, despicable act perpetrated by Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. We demand Pakistan should stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from its territory and dismantle terror infrastructure.” However, Pakistan had once again denied these claims. Subsequently, political parties in India unanimously passed a resolution to support the security forces and the government. ALSO READ | Over 100 kg explosive used in Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans After the attack, customs duty on all Pakistani goods was increased to 200 per cent and India also stripped Pakistan’s status as the Most Favoured Nation (MFN). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also said that security forces have been given “full freedom” to choose a “time and place” for the “future course of action”. He also said that terrorists have “made a big mistake” and “will have to pay a very heavy price” for their actions. Balakot airstrike Indian security forces launched a counter-attack named ‘Operation Bandar’ and carried out airstrikes on February 26, 2019, in the Balakot region at JeM camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The province in question is some 50 km from the Line of Control (LoC) where the Indian Air Force (IAF) sent Israel-made “smart bombs” and 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets and reportedly killed hundreds of terrorists. The targeted terror camp in the region was said to be an important training centre for the JeM and other terror organisations. Notably, this was the first aerial assault carried out by India in Pakistan since the war between the two nations in 1971. Pakistan retaliates A day after the Balakot airstrikes by India, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and several F-16s entered Indian airspace on February 27, 2019, and were said to have attempted to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, but the attack was foiled by the IAF. According to reports, one F-16 aircraft and two Indian MiG-21 Bisons were destroyed. ALSO READ | IAF's Balakot airstrikes: How 'Operation Bandar' surprised Pakistan Additionally, Pakistan claimed to have taken two IAF pilots and later changed its statement to say only one IAF pilot was in custody which was later confirmed by the MEA. The next day, the now-former PM Imran Khan announced that he would release the captured IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on March 1. The MIG-21 fighter jet pilot had shot down PAF’s F-16 but lost his aircraft also and landed in Pakistani territory, as per reports he was detained and interrogated. The IAF commander was later conferred with India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal, the Vir Chakra. PM Modi pays homage to brave heroes PM Modi took to X, earlier on Wednesday (Feb 14), and paid tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack and wrote, “I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered”. I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 × This year, India's security forces, including the CRPF, have planned events to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attack. Additionally, various institutes and organisations across India have also planned events to pay tribute to the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | 5th anniversary of Pulwama attack: What happened on that day, and since?

<p>India on February 14th marked the fourth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, a terrorist attack carried out in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 that resulted in the death of 40 Indian troops. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several others took to social media to remember the lives of Indian troops that were lost four years ago.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Remembering our valorous heroes who we lost on this day in Pulwama. We will never forget their supreme sacrifice. Their courage motivates us to build a strong and developed India.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1625324032295055361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The suicide attack, carried out by Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohammad, was executed by Adil Ahmed Dar, 22, who rammed his vehicle into a bus carrying India's Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened immediately after Pulwama attack?</strong></h2>

<p>The attack led to the galvanisation of national public opinion to act against those responsible for the attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, then in its first term in office, vowed to act against the perpetrators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two days after the attack, in a significant breakthrough, security forces gunned down top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, in a 12-hour-long encounter with multiple Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Pulwama area.</p>

<p>Ghazi was a Pakistani national and the brain behind the Pulwama attack.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-wion-examines-balakot-air-strikes-by-indian-air-force-201044">Exclusive: WION examines Balakot air-strikes by Indian Air Force</a></strong></p>

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<p>On February 26, 2019, Indian forces conducted a bombing raid in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, targeting a set of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camps. The operation resulted in the deaths of 200-300 terrorists, reports said. The exact number of terrorists killed in the raid was not specified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Balakot airstrikes added to the sequence of Indian strategic evolution of hitting terror at its origin that began in September 2016. In retaliation to the terrorist attack on an army base in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2016 which led to the loss of lives of 19 Indian soldiers, India had conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation inflicted "significant casualties" on terror infrastructure in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Why are Balakot airstrikes so crucial?</strong></h2>

<p>Balakot is known as the birthplace of jihad ('holy fight') in South Asia. The first notable jihad occurred in 1831 in Balakot, in which a man named Sayyid Ahmad led hundreds of his followers against Maharaja Ranjit Singh's forces. Ahmad's forces lost but he was promptly declared a martyr. According to American journalist Declan Walsh's book 'The Nine Lives of Pakistan', to date, Sayyid Ahmad's grave is a shrine to many who come to Balakot to pay their respects. "The lush hills around Balakot are dotted with secretive training camps where modern-day Pakistani jihadis train for battle against Indian forces in Kashmir," Walsh writes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-lauds-france-for-its-sanctions-against-masood-azhar-after-pulwama-terror-attack-479873">FATF lauds France for its sanctions against Masood Azhar after Pulwama terror attack</a></strong></p>

<p>The Balakot airstrikes were as much symbolic as they were strategic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India went after the nucleus of terrorism in the region with its diplomatic overdrive focusing more on its fight against terrorism than on just hyphenating itself with Pakistan, the country which sponsored Pulwama terrorist attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May 2019, Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, a move cited as a major diplomatic win for India.&nbsp;</p>

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India on February 14th marked the fourth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, a terrorist attack carried out in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 that resulted in the death of 40 Indian troops.

India on February 14th marked the fourth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, a terrorist attack carried out in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 that resulted in the death of 40 Indian troops. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several others took to social media to remember the lives of Indian troops that were lost four years ago. Remembering our valorous heroes who we lost on this day in Pulwama. We will never forget their supreme sacrifice. Their courage motivates us to build a strong and developed India. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2023 × The suicide attack, carried out by Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohammad, was executed by Adil Ahmed Dar, 22, who rammed his vehicle into a bus carrying India's Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF). What happened immediately after Pulwama attack? The attack led to the galvanisation of national public opinion to act against those responsible for the attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, then in its first term in office, vowed to act against the perpetrators. Two days after the attack, in a significant breakthrough, security forces gunned down top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, in a 12-hour-long encounter with multiple Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Pulwama area. Ghazi was a Pakistani national and the brain behind the Pulwama attack. ALSO WATCH | Exclusive: WION examines Balakot air-strikes by Indian Air Force × On February 26, 2019, Indian forces conducted a bombing raid in Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, targeting a set of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camps. The operation resulted in the deaths of 200-300 terrorists, reports said. The exact number of terrorists killed in the raid was not specified. The Balakot airstrikes added to the sequence of Indian strategic evolution of hitting terror at its origin that began in September 2016. In retaliation to the terrorist attack on an army base in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on September 18, 2016 which led to the loss of lives of 19 Indian soldiers, India had conducted surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation inflicted "significant casualties" on terror infrastructure in the region. Why are Balakot airstrikes so crucial? Balakot is known as the birthplace of jihad ('holy fight') in South Asia. The first notable jihad occurred in 1831 in Balakot, in which a man named Sayyid Ahmad led hundreds of his followers against Maharaja Ranjit Singh's forces. Ahmad's forces lost but he was promptly declared a martyr. According to American journalist Declan Walsh's book 'The Nine Lives of Pakistan', to date, Sayyid Ahmad's grave is a shrine to many who come to Balakot to pay their respects. "The lush hills around Balakot are dotted with secretive training camps where modern-day Pakistani jihadis train for battle against Indian forces in Kashmir," Walsh writes. ALSO READ | FATF lauds France for its sanctions against Masood Azhar after Pulwama terror attack The Balakot airstrikes were as much symbolic as they were strategic. India went after the nucleus of terrorism in the region with its diplomatic overdrive focusing more on its fight against terrorism than on just hyphenating itself with Pakistan, the country which sponsored Pulwama terrorist attack. In May 2019, Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council, a move cited as a major diplomatic win for India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pulwama attack 4th anniversary: When India raided birthplace of jihad in South Asia

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Explained | 5th anniversary of Pulwama attack: What happened on that day, and since?

Pulwama attack 4th anniversary: When India raided birthplace of jihad in South Asia