08 February,2024 12:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image/ istock
The Pulwama attack, which occurred on February 14, 2019, is still remembered by Indians as a horrific tragedy. A suicide bomber associated with the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) struck a convoy of vehicles transporting security personnel in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama area.
Adil Ahmad Dar, the offender, smashed his explosive-laden vehicle into one of the buses in the convoy, causing a massive explosion. The attack killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) members and injured numerous others. The loss of life and the severity of the attack sent shockwaves throughout the country, eliciting tremendous outrage and condemnation.
On February 14, as the world celebrates the day of love, India remembers the deadly Pulwama Attack and the 40 CRPF personnel who were martyred.
India's response to Pulwama Attack
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Following the Pulwama attack, India faced enormous pressure to respond decisively and ensure that such acts of terrorism were not tolerated. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has vowed to take harsh action against anyone guilty of the attack. Diplomatic attempts were launched to isolate Pakistan on the global stage, with India attempting to foster international consensus against state-sponsored terrorism.
One of India's first measures was to revoke Pakistan's Most Favoured Nation (MFN) designation, resulting in tariffs and trade restrictions between the two countries. Furthermore, India launched a diplomatic offensive to highlight Pakistan's role in harbouring and supporting terrorist organisations operating on its soil.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) responded most significantly with a retaliation bombing on February 26, 2019. The airstrike targeted the JeM's training grounds near Balakot, Pakistan, causing major damage and reportedly killing a huge number of militants. India declared the airstrike as a preemptive, non-military, anti-terror operation aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure.
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The Balakot airstrike escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a brief military confrontation. Pakistan retaliated by conducting its own airstrike and attempting to target Indian military installations. Fortunately, the situation was defused to prevent further escalation, thanks to diplomatic efforts and international mediation.
The memory of the Pulwama Attack remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by security personnel in the line of duty and the resilience of the nation in the face of adversity.
