Remembering Pulwama attack: An overview of the tragedy

File photo for representation. PTI

Five years have passed since the tragic Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, when a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting over 2500 Indian security personnel in Pulwama district's Lethapora was targeted by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber on National Highway 44. This attack resulted in the loss of 40 Indian CRPF personnel and numerous injuries, marking it as the deadliest terror attack on India's security forces in Kashmir since 1989.

The attack, famously known as the 2019 Pulwama attack, was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a militant group with ties to Pakistan. Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old from Kakapora, was identified as the perpetrator. Despite Pakistan's consistent denial of involvement, evidence pointed towards Jaish-e-Mohammed's culpability.

In the aftermath, India witnessed an outpouring of grief and solidarity, with state funerals and financial compensations offered to the families of the martyred security personnel. Additionally, diplomatic measures were taken, including the withdrawal of Pakistan's most-favored-nation status and the imposition of higher customs duties on Pakistani goods imported into India.

Subsequent retaliatory actions by India included a surgical strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26, 2019, resulting in reported casualties among terrorists. This prompted a retaliatory airstrike by the Pakistan Air Force on February 27, which led to the capture and subsequent release of an Indian pilot.

Remembering Pulwama Attack: A suicide attack that killed 40 Indian soldiers

In the investigative front, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant progress in identifying and apprehending individuals linked to the attack. DNA evidence linked Adil Ahmad Dar to the suicide bombing, although the source of the explosives used in the attack remains elusive.

As of August 2021, seven accused have been eliminated by Indian security forces, while seven others have been arrested. Despite these developments, the quest for justice and closure for the Pulwama attack victims and their families continues, as authorities strive to bring all perpetrators to account for their heinous actions.