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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.
- Balakot airstrike on Pakistan | Pulwama Attack: How Indian Air Force carried out operation Bandar
The afternoon of February 14, 2019, shocked the nation. Forty CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks witnessed in three decades of Kashmir's insurgency. As the country was reeling with the loss of its bravehearts, India decided to retaliate! Around 12 days after the terror attack, in the wee hours of February 26, IAF aircrafts sneaked onto Pakistani soil and wreaked havoc on the terror camps. Watch the story of Operation Bandar & how the Indian Air Force carried out the airstrike on Pakistan’s balakot
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China reportedly needs JeM chief Masood Azhar to ensure the overall security of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from the Pakistan Taliban
- India expresses disappointment after China blocks move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist
The JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attacks in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.
- Pulwama terror attack mastermind believed to be killed in encounter: Officials
The encounter in Pinglish area of Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama district lasted past midnight in which Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Mudasir Ahmed Khan alias 'Mohd Bhai' was among the three militants killed, the officials said.
- Should I count how many mosquitoes I killed: V K Singh on Balakot casualty debate
The opposition has been asking the government to reveal the official death count in the strike which was conducted days after the February 14 Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel died.
- IAF’s Mirage-2000: The jet behind the surgical strikes
Watch the video to find out why the Indian Air Force used Mirage-2000 jets to carry out the attack.
- Surgical strike 2.0: IAF airstrikes a 'fitting reply' from 'new age India', says Bollywood
The fitting reply that is being touted as Surgical Strike 2.0 is being lauded by all and sundry including multiple Bollywood celebrities.
- Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation in Rajouri, Indian forces retaliate
The Pakistan army has resorted to firing and mortar shelling on forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts on seven of the last eight days.
- IAF strikes Jaish-e-Mohammed: What makes Mirage-2000 the 'chosen one'
The aircraft has twin in-built GIAT 30–550 F4 30 mm revolver-type cannons, which have fire rates of 1,200 or 1,800 rounds per minute.
- Truth of Pulwama attack will come out if Ajit Doval is probed: Raj Thackeray
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief further said the 40 jawans killed in the Pulwama attack were "political victims", and "every government manufactured such things but it is taking place more frequently under Modi's rule".
- Donald Trump says India looking at something 'very strong' after Pulwama attack
India has asked Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control.
- Pakistan's Army says country doesn't wish for war, but warns India of 'surprise'
Director General ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor also said that India blamed Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "without due investigation" and New Delhi has not yet accepted the "reality of partition".
- Omar Abdullah responds to Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy’s ‘boycott everything Kashmiri’ remark
Meghalaya Governor's tweet drew a sharp reaction from former J&K CM Omar Abdullah, who said people like Roy want Kashmir but without Kashmiris
- What is the 'Most Favoured Nation' status and what does its withdrawal mean for Pakistan?
Pakistan stands to lose concessions on tariff, freer markets and a free flow of goods that come with the MFN status
