Jobaaj Stories
On February 14, 2019, the nation was shaken by a horrific terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. At around 3 pm, a suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out an attack on a CRPF convoy. The bomber, Adil Ahmed Dar, rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into one of the buses in the convoy. This devastating explosion led to the martyrdom of 40 brave soldiers and left many others injured.
How the Attack Happened
On that fateful day, a convoy of 78 buses carrying over 2,500 CRPF soldiers was traveling from Jammu to Srinagar. As they reached the Awantipora area of Pulwama, a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist drove a car filled with explosives directly into the convoy. The resulting explosion was immense, obliterating the bus and sending shockwaves that were felt for miles around.
National Mourning and Tributes
The attack resulted in an outpouring of grief and anger across the country. Immediately after the incident, injured soldiers were rushed to nearby military hospitals, but many lost their lives at the scene. National mourning followed, and the martyrs' bodies were flown to Delhi, where they were honored with full military honors at the Palam Airbase. Leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
India's Retaliation
India's response was swift and decisive. On February 26, just 12 days after the attack, India carried out a strong retaliation. The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a surgical strike on terrorist camps in Balakot, Pakistan. Using 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets, India crossed the Line of Control (LoC) at night and dropped 1,000 kilograms of explosives on the camps. It was reported that over 300 terrorists were killed in this operation.
Pursuit of Justice
The mastermind behind the attack, Adil Ahmed Dar, and other associated terrorists were soon eliminated by Indian forces. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a detailed probe, and a charge sheet of over 13,000 pages was filed, implicating several terrorists and their networks. The global community also expressed solidarity with India, condemning terrorism and offering support in the fight against it.
Remembering the Sacrifices
Today, six years after the Pulwama attack, India continues to honor the martyrs who gave their lives for the nation. February 14 is marked as a day of remembrance, and every year, the entire nation pays tribute to the brave soldiers. The attack served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism, but it also highlighted India's firm resolve to protect its sovereignty.
In conclusion, the Pulwama attack was a moment of national loss, but it also sparked a resolute response that sent a strong message to those who support terrorism. The bravery of the martyrs and the strength of the nation will always be remembered.
