-
My Account
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.
- PDP delegation visits Uttarakhand, says 'satisfied' over safety of Kashmiri students
The PDP leaders also took some of the students along with them who expressed a desire to go home with their colleges being closed, the IG said.
- RSS calls for ban on Chinese social media apps like Tik Tok, LIKE
This comes days after the heinous attack by terrorists of Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, which left 40 CRPF jawans dead
- Pulwama attack: Indian Americans to protest outside Chinese, Pakistan diplomatic missions in US
The BAPS, as an organisation and its followers, have also pledged financial support of Rs 10 million to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery.
- Sharad Pawar slams PM Modi for skipping all-party meet on Pulwama
There was no representative of the BJP either as Rajnath Singh was present in his capacity as Union home minister, Pawar said.
- Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over anti-Pak protest in New Delhi
In a statement, the Foreign Office said that Special Secretary (Asia Pacific) Imtiaz Ahmad summoned the Acting Indian High Commissioner to lodge a "strong protest" against the anti-Pakistan demonstration in New Delhi.
- UN Human Rights chief strongly condemns Pulwama terror attack
A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed group drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding others.
- Pulwama fallout: Bikaner authority asks Pakistanis to leave, bans use of Pak SIM
The order is effective for two months and also bans the use of Pakistani SIM cards in the district.
- Donald Trump describes Pulwama terror attack as 'horrible situation'
Following the terrorist attack, Trump's National Security Advisor, John Bolton, supported India's right to self-defense.
- J&K govt employees skip work, demand security for families: Report
The employees were protesting against the violence faced by their Kashmiri colleagues in Jammu following the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy that martyred 40 jawans in Pulwama.
- France to move proposal at UN to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar
This will be the second time France will be party to such a proposal at the UN.
- Fuel outlets to be shut for 20 mins on February 20 in wake of Pulwama attack
Banners and photos of the martyrs would be placed in fuel outlets and lights turned off from 7 pm to 7:20 pm across the country, said CIPD General Secretary In-Charge K Suresh Kumar.
- If you can't pick up Azhar, we'll do it for you: Amarinder Singh to Imran Khan
Singh wondered if the Pakistan prime minister wanted New Delhi to send the bodies of the slain CRPF soldiers to Pakistan as 'actionable intelligence'.
- Walk the talk: Mehbooba Mufti to Imran Khan on Pulwama attack
The suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Pulwama left 40 CRPF personnel dead.
- Rajnath Singh reviews J&K situation; NSA, Home Secretary attend the meeting
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval too participated in the meeting which was attended by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, director of intelligence bureau Rajiv Jain besides others.
- Pakistan responds to India's arguments at ICJ over Kulbhushan Jadhav's case
Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.
- J&K Governor lauds security forces for eliminating JeM terrorists in encounter
The Governor particularly appreciated Brigadier Singh who had voluntarily returned from leave to lead this operation, the spokesman said.
- ICJ refuses to entertain Pakistan's request to adjourn Kulbhushan Jadhav case
Pakistan, which is presenting its case on February 19, asked the judge to adjourn the case, citing the illness of it ad-hoc judge.
- In aftermath of Pulwama terror attack, India expedites efforts to isolate Pakistan
In retaliation to the terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government has vowed to give the neighbouring country a “befitting reply”
- Pakistan PM Imran Khan seeks actionable intelligence over Pulwama attack, warns against retaliatory action
In a video message to the nation, Khan responded to the Indian allegations on Pakistan's involvement in the attack in Kashmir on last on Thursday.
- Kerala govt announces Rs 25 lakh to slain CRPF jawan's family
A state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also took the decision to meet the educational expenses of 44-year-old jawan's two children- son Amandeep (5) and daughter Anamika (8).
