<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>Rich&nbsp;tributes were paid to 40 CRPF soldiers who laid down their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. A wreath-laying ceremony was held by the CRPF at the Martyr's Memorial at Lethpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir.</p>

<p>Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with workers had reached the Pulwama terrorist attack spot on Srinagar-Jammu NHW in Lethpora and paid floral tributes to the 40 fallen jawans of CRPF. They also raised patriotic slogans and said that the sacrifice of these martyrs will be remembered forever, particularly by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4th-anniversary-of-pulwama-attack-what-happened-on-that-day-and-since-561999" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4th-anniversary-of-pulwama-attack-what-happened-on-that-day-and-since-561999&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiW7ZjtyKqEAxU_ePUHHWAXCQAQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jSwu0Ps19sWv1EOylYlpk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4th-anniversary-of-pulwama-attack-what-happened-on-that-day-and-since-561999" target="_blank">4th anniversary of&nbsp;<b>Pulwama attack</b>: What happened on that day</a></p>

<p>"We bow our heads today for the CRPF soldiers who laid their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. The terrorist attack was carried out by Pak-sponsored terrorists. And we remember this day as a turning point in J&amp;K, as after this attack, the Modi government punished the terrorists twice inside Pakistan. It was PM Modi's vision to finish terror and terrorists from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan too got a clear message that J&amp;K isn't going to tolerate terror now,'' said BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur.</p>

<p>The BJP also said that the Union Territory has been on a journey of development and peace has prevailed in the valley since. Pulwama terror attack was one of the deadliest on Indian security forces ever. 40 CRPF personnel were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed the bus ferrying them from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019. Post this terrorist attack, India carried out airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-given-sufficient-evidence-on-jems-involvement-to-islamabad-india-on-paks-denial-to-dossier-206348" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-given-sufficient-evidence-on-jems-involvement-to-islamabad-india-on-paks-denial-to-dossier-206348&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV-6T9yKqEAxX6UGcHHbF7Ci0QFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3gC1EyzfBrjuG_Q2TOB_zX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-given-sufficient-evidence-on-jems-involvement-to-islamabad-india-on-paks-denial-to-dossier-206348&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV-6T9yKqEAxX6UGcHHbF7Ci0QFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3gC1EyzfBrjuG_Q2TOB_zX" target="_blank">Pakistan continues to be in denial mode on&nbsp;<b>Pulwama attack</b></a></p>

<p>''I cannot explain the feeling in our hearts right now. What we felt that day, the same feeling continues today as well. It was an extremely unfortunate day for all of us and we have no words to express our feelings. Our last drop of blood is for the country and our tricolor. May these soldiers rest in eternal peace,'' said Aaliya, BJP worker.</p>

<p>The CRPF paid floral tributes on the anniversary at the Martyr's Memorial at Lethpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir. The CRPF's wreath-laying ceremony was attended by senior officers of CRPF and security forces, JKP and J&amp;K administration.</p>


Rich tributes were paid to 40 CRPF soldiers who laid down their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. A wreath-laying ceremony was held by the CRPF at the Martyr's Memorial at Lethpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir.

Rich tributes were paid to 40 CRPF soldiers who laid down their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. A wreath-laying ceremony was held by the CRPF at the Martyr's Memorial at Lethpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir. Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with workers had reached the Pulwama terrorist attack spot on Srinagar-Jammu NHW in Lethpora and paid floral tributes to the 40 fallen jawans of CRPF. They also raised patriotic slogans and said that the sacrifice of these martyrs will be remembered forever, particularly by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Also read: 4th anniversary of Pulwama attack: What happened on that day "We bow our heads today for the CRPF soldiers who laid their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. The terrorist attack was carried out by Pak-sponsored terrorists. And we remember this day as a turning point in J&K, as after this attack, the Modi government punished the terrorists twice inside Pakistan. It was PM Modi's vision to finish terror and terrorists from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan too got a clear message that J&K isn't going to tolerate terror now,'' said BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur. The BJP also said that the Union Territory has been on a journey of development and peace has prevailed in the valley since. Pulwama terror attack was one of the deadliest on Indian security forces ever. 40 CRPF personnel were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed the bus ferrying them from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019. Post this terrorist attack, India carried out airstrikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan continues to be in denial mode on Pulwama attack ''I cannot explain the feeling in our hearts right now. What we felt that day, the same feeling continues today as well. It was an extremely unfortunate day for all of us and we have no words to express our feelings. Our last drop of blood is for the country and our tricolor. May these soldiers rest in eternal peace,'' said Aaliya, BJP worker. The CRPF paid floral tributes on the anniversary at the Martyr's Memorial at Lethpora, Pulwama in South Kashmir. The CRPF's wreath-laying ceremony was attended by senior officers of CRPF and security forces, JKP and J&K administration.

India: Rich tributes paid to 40 CRPF soldiers nation lost in the Pulwama terror attack five years ago

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted out on the first anniversary of the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that took place on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister paid tributes to those who lost their lives in the gruesome attack and called them "exceptional individuals".</p>

<p>"India will never forget their martyrdom," PM Modi posted.</p>

<p>"Tributes to the brave martyrs who lost their lives in the gruesome Pulwama attack last year. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protecting our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom," he tweeted out.</p>

<p><strong>In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pulwama-attack-a-timeline-of-events-280672">Pulwama attack - &nbsp;A timeline of events</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tributes to the brave martyrs who lost their lives in the gruesome Pulwama attack last year. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protecting our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1228171687792742401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last year on February 14, 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed when an explosives-laden jeep hit a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at Lethpora in Pulwama. The jeep was driven by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Adeel Ahmed Dar.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted out on the first anniversary of the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that took place on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday tweeted out on the first anniversary of the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that took place on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir last year. The prime minister paid tributes to those who lost their lives in the gruesome attack and called them "exceptional individuals". "India will never forget their martyrdom," PM Modi posted. "Tributes to the brave martyrs who lost their lives in the gruesome Pulwama attack last year. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protecting our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom," he tweeted out. In pics: Pulwama attack - A timeline of events Tributes to the brave martyrs who lost their lives in the gruesome Pulwama attack last year. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protecting our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2020 × Last year on February 14, 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed when an explosives-laden jeep hit a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at Lethpora in Pulwama. The jeep was driven by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Adeel Ahmed Dar.

India will never forget their martyrdom: PM Modi tweets on one year of Pulwama attack