On February 14, 2019, a devastating suicide bombing in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent history. The attack, carried out by a local Kashmiri militant affiliated with the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), sent shockwaves across the country and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

As India commemorates the sixth anniversary of the attack, tributes pour in from leaders, security forces, and citizens. The day serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by India’s armed forces and underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region.

The Attack That Shook the Nation

At approximately 3:15 PM on February 14, 2019, a convoy of 78 CRPF vehicles was traveling on National Highway 44. The convoy was moving from Jammu to Srinagar, carrying over 2,500 personnel who had just returned from leave. Security protocols required that civilian traffic be halted when such a large movement of troops was underway, but due to logistical and administrative reasons, this rule was reportedly not followed that day.

Near Lethpora in the Pulwama district, a car carrying a massive quantity of explosives rammed into one of the buses in the convoy, triggering a catastrophic blast. The explosion was so powerful that it reduced the targeted bus to debris and caused severe damage to nearby vehicles.

The suicide bomber was later identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old local from Kakapora in the Pulwama district. Soon after the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility, releasing a video of Dar, where he pledged to carry out the suicide mission. Reports suggest that Dar had been radicalized months before the attack and had gone missing from his home.

The bombing instantly became one of the most significant terror attacks in Kashmir’s history, sparking outrage across India. The Indian government swiftly condemned the attack, and protests erupted in multiple cities demanding a strong response against terrorism.

India’s Response: The Balakot Airstrikes

Following the Pulwama attack, India vowed retaliation. Within days, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a pre-dawn airstrike on February 26, 2019, targeting a JeM training facility in Balakot, Pakistan. This marked a significant moment in India’s counter-terrorism approach, as it was the first time since the 1971 war that Indian fighter jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Bandar,” was carried out using Mirage 2000 fighter jets, which dropped precision-guided bombs on the alleged terror training camps. India claimed that the strike successfully destroyed the facility, neutralizing several militants. However, Pakistan denied any major damage, stating that the strikes only affected a wooded area and did not cause any casualties.

The airstrike led to a brief but intense military standoff between India and Pakistan, which included aerial dogfights on February 27, 2019. In the encounter, IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 Bison was shot down, and he was captured by the Pakistani military. However, in what was seen as a diplomatic victory for India, Abhinandan was released two days later as a “gesture of peace” by Pakistan.

Investigations and Aftermath

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched an exhaustive probe into the Pulwama attack, revealing a well-planned conspiracy involving JeM operatives in Pakistan and local militants in Kashmir.

Key findings from the investigation included:

• The involvement of JeM commander Mohammad Umar Farooq, who had infiltrated into India from Pakistan and played a critical role in planning the attack.
• The use of locally sourced materials to assemble the explosive device, allegedly using ammonium nitrate, RDX, and gelatin sticks.
• The role of local Kashmiri operatives who provided logistical support, including safe houses and reconnaissance.

The NIA later filed a chargesheet against 19 individuals, including JeM chief Masood Azhar and his two relatives, Ammar Alvi and Mohammad Umar Farooq. Some of the accused were later killed in security operations, while others remain at large.

Honoring the Fallen: Nationwide Tributes

On the sixth anniversary of the Pulwama attack, tributes were paid across the country to the 40 fallen soldiers. Home Minister Amit Shah, in his statement, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism, saying:

“The Modi government is determined to destroy the terrorists and their supporters involved in the cowardly attack.”

Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at memorials, including the CRPF Martyrs’ Memorial in Pulwama, where security officials, family members, and dignitaries paid homage to the bravehearts. Across India, citizens, politicians, and members of the armed forces observed moments of silence and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective: A Call for Peace and Dialogue

The Pulwama attack remains a deep wound in the Indian psyche, highlighting the devastating consequences of terrorism. While the need for strong national security measures is undeniable, it is equally important to pursue long-term solutions that promote peace, dialogue, and stability in the region.

At The Logical Indian, we unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and extremism. We believe that fostering understanding, empathy, and diplomatic efforts is crucial to preventing future tragedies. While remembering and honoring the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers, it is imperative to work toward a future where such attacks are prevented and regional tensions are diffused.

As individuals and as a society, we must ask: How can we contribute to building a more peaceful and secure world? The path to lasting harmony lies in collective efforts toward tolerance, reconciliation, and constructive engagement.