As India marks 14 February 2026 as “Black Day”, the nation commemorates the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Memorial ceremonies were held at Lethpora in Pulwama district and across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi among those paying tribute. Security has been heightened in parts of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure peaceful observance.
Citizens have turned to digital platforms to share messages, poetry and photographs honouring the martyrs, while officials reiterated India’s continued resolve against terrorism and commitment to national unity.
Seven Years On, A Nation Pauses in Remembrance
On the morning of 14 February 2026, wreaths were laid at the memorial in Lethpora, Pulwama district, where the deadly attack took place seven years ago. Senior CRPF officials, representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, and personnel from other security forces observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen. Across several states, police units and paramilitary forces held parallel ceremonies, while schools, civil society groups and resident associations organised candlelight vigils and remembrance gatherings.
In a message shared on social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the “devotion and supreme sacrifice” of the CRPF personnel continue to inspire generations, adding that the nation stands united in its fight against terrorism. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan echoed similar sentiments, stating that the bravery of the martyrs “will forever remain etched in the nation’s memory.” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also paid homage, extending solidarity to the families and reiterating that the country owes an enduring debt to the soldiers who laid down their lives in service.
For the families of the 40 jawans, the day remains deeply personal. Many travelled to memorials in their home states, while others shared emotional tributes recalling the courage, humility and aspirations of their loved ones. Photographs of smiling soldiers in uniform, alongside heartfelt messages and shayari, flooded social media platforms, transforming digital spaces into collective memorials. The observance, while solemn, also carried a strong undercurrent of resilience and pride in the service of those who stood guard for the nation.
Authorities have reportedly heightened security in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly along major highways and sensitive zones, to prevent any untoward incidents on the anniversary. Officials have emphasised that such measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring that remembrance events proceed peacefully.
The 2019 Attack and Its Aftermath
On 14 February 2019, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of CRPF buses travelling along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway near Lethpora in Pulwama district. The explosion killed 40 personnel and injured several others, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian security forces in recent decades. The Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, triggering widespread outrage and grief across India.
In the days and weeks that followed, the incident had far-reaching diplomatic and military consequences. India undertook significant counter-terror operations and reviewed its security protocols, particularly regarding convoy movement and intelligence coordination. The attack also intensified national discussions around counter-terrorism strategy, cross-border security, and the safety of personnel deployed in conflict-prone regions.
Over the past seven years, 14 February has come to be observed as “Black Day” by many citizens and organisations, serving as both a day of mourning and a reaffirmation of national resolve. Each year, the anniversary brings renewed focus on the human cost of terrorism and the families who continue to live with its aftermath. For many, it is also a reminder of the sacrifices made daily by security forces operating in challenging environments.
At the same time, the Pulwama attack remains part of a broader narrative of conflict and peace efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. While security measures have been strengthened and several terror networks disrupted since 2019, the region continues to navigate complex political and social realities. The anniversary thus carries layered meanings: remembrance, vigilance, and the ongoing quest for lasting peace.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Seven years after Pulwama, remembrance must not become routine. It must remain reflective and humane. The 40 CRPF personnel who lost their lives were sons, husbands, fathers and friends before they were martyrs. Honouring them means acknowledging both their courage and their humanity.
As a society, we must resist the temptation to let grief turn into division. Terrorism seeks to fracture communities and sow distrust. Our collective response, therefore, must be rooted in unity, empathy and a shared commitment to coexistence. Strong security measures are necessary, but so too is the nurturing of dialogue, social harmony and mutual respect among citizens.
