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Pulwama terror attack
The Pulwama terror attack of February 14, 2019, remains one of the deadliest strikes on Indian security forces in decades. Executed by a suicide bomber affiliated with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the attack led to the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel and triggered a massive shift in India's internal security policies and foreign relations.
This page on Moneycontrol.com offers a comprehensive overview of the Pulwama attack, its repercussions, investigation progress, and long-term counter-terrorism measures taken by India.
What Happened in Pulwama on February 14, 2019?- A convoy of over 70 CRPF vehicles was en route from Jammu to Srinagar when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into one of the buses near Lethpora in Pulwama district. The impact killed 40 jawans on the spot and injured several others. JeM quickly claimed responsibility.
- The bomber was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a local youth from South Kashmir who had reportedly joined JeM in 2018. The attack involved nearly 80 kg of explosives, including RDX and ammonium nitrate.
- In response to the Pulwama attack, the Indian Air Force launched the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019, targeting a JeM training camp in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. This marked India’s first air raid across the Line of Control (LoC) since the 1971 war.
- India revoked Pakistan’s MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status.
- Global pressure intensified on Pakistan to act against JeM leadership.
- The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack and eventually listed Masood Azhar, JeM chief, as a global terrorist.
- India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted a detailed probe and uncovered a wide terror module operating from Pulwama and South Kashmir. Several overground workers and local collaborators were arrested. The NIA found that Pakistan-based handlers coordinated the attack via encrypted messaging apps.
- By 2023, all identified local operatives involved in the planning or logistics of the attack had either been neutralized in encounters or arrested.
- The Pulwama attack led to sweeping reforms in convoy movement protocols, border surveillance, and terror financing laws.
- Convoys are now accompanied by aerial surveillance drones and road sanitization teams.
- The government launched Operation All-Out, intensifying counter-terror operations in South Kashmir.
- Legislative changes allowed the seizure of property and bank accounts linked to terrorist funding.
- PM Modi's photos shared by Rahul Gandhi were shot in morning: BJP
The BJP took on Gandhi after the Congress chief called PM Modi "prime time minister" and said he continued shooting for a film in Uttarakhand even three hours after news of the Pulwama terror strike came in.
- PM Modi must say what he was doing in initial 2 hours after Pulwama attack: Congress
The opposition also alleged, citing DD News footage, that the prime minister addressed a rally in Uttarakhand at 5:10 pm via phone.
- Pakistan reimposes ban on Islamist charities linked to Hafiz Saeed
The attack, in which 40 Indian paramilitary troops were killed, was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group.
- Pulwama terror attack: Security beefed up across railway network
Railway officials said although there was no specific intelligence input, security agencies have been put on high alert for the safety of passengers.
- All eyes on FATF final briefing: Decision on Pakistan's status on terror financing list expected
After the Pulwama terrorist attack, India has reportedly made strong case in front of the FATF against Pakistan’s non-compliance in curbing terror funding
- PM Modi 'prime time minister', he continued photoshoot hours after Pulwama attack news: Rahul Gandhi
There was an ocean of pain in the country's hearts and in the homes of martyrs and he was smiling and doing a photoshoot in the waters, Gandhi said on Twitter with the hashtag 'PhotoShootSarkar'.
- Hizbul commander warns of more fidayeen attacks in future
Naikoo didn’t exactly spell out if it will be his organistaion that will carry out the suicide bombing attacks.
- SC directs Chief secys, DGPs of 11 states to take action against assault on Kashmiris post Pulwama
The bench asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to give wide publicity to nodal officers so that they can be approached by those facing such incidents.
- Stopping water flow to Pakistan: Prithviraj Chavan says minister doesn't have power
An official later clarified that it was not a new decision.
- Tariq Anwar 'blames' Modi government for Pulwama terror attack
Talking to reporters in his Lok Sabha constituency here, Tariq Anwar also claimed that PM Modi's foreign policy "lacked direction".
- UNSC condemns Pulwama terror attack
The condemnation by the UN's most powerful 15-nation body named the Pakistan-based terror group.
- Efforts on to introduce 'inhuman' religion in India: Mamata Banerjee
Mamata Banerjee urged people not to pay heed to provocations meant to create differences among them and stay united.
- Pulwama terror attack: Time will come when people's sentiments will have fulfilment, says Rajnath Singh
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of Delhi's Waste to Wonder Park, he said after the Pulwama incident "mood is still not that one can participate in any programme with enthusiasm".
- Congress appoints ex-Army officer who supervised surgical strike as national security panel head
The move comes days after a terrorist attack at a CRPF convoy killed 40 jawans in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
- India to stop water sharing with Pakistan, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
The government has expedited a slew of measures to isolate Pakistan on global platforms and minimise trade with the neighbouring country
- Protocol change after Pulwama attack: CRPF, Army and BSF convoys to now travel at the same time
The changes have been made taking into consideration the vulnerability of the troops during their movements as also a reduction in traffic disruptions
- Imran Khan holds NSC meeting amidst heightened Indo-Pakistan tensions
Ahead of the NSC meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa held a one-on-one meeting during which they discussed region's security situation.
- Why is PM Modi silent on Kashmiri students being targeted in various parts of country: Omar Abdullah
Addressing the media, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also said talks with Pakistan cannot be held in the backdrop of attacks such as the one in Pulwama last week.
- When kin of slain CRPF men were mourning, BJP was busy in inaugurations: Akhilesh Yadav
Alleging that there was no law and order in Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has failed.
- Imran Khan a puppet of Pakistan Army, says ex-wife Reham
In an interview to India Today TV, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan said, he even waited for instructions from top security officers before making a statement on the Pulwama terror attack
