Pulwama Attack- Black Day in India, Remembering the 40 CRPF Heroes

Pulwama Attack: February 14, 2019, is marked as a tragic day in Indian history. Seven years back, while the whole country was gearing up for spring, news from Pulwama rattled the nation. Forty of our courageous soldiers lost their lives in a terrorist attack by Pakistan in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. These heroes put their lives on the line to combat terrorism. Today, as the world revels in the joy of Valentine’s Day, we must not forget these brave martyrs. On the 7th anniversary of the Pulwama attack, it’s every Indian’s responsibility to honor these valiant soldiers.

What went down on February 14, 2019? The Pulwama attack occurred on this date, and the loss of 40 soldiers impacted not just their families but the whole country. The attack devastated the happiness of 40 families. So, why is February 14 referred to as a black day, and what’s the real story behind it?

What’s the grim reality of the Pulwama attack?

On that fateful day, February 14, 2019, a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying over 2500 CRPF soldiers was traveling along the Jammu Kashmir highway. Around 3:10 pm, as the convoy approached Lethpora in Pulwama, about 150 km away, a car suddenly sped onto the highway, targeting a bus with more than 40 soldiers. This car was packed with over 300 kg of RDX, leading to a massive explosion upon impact with the bus. The blast was so powerful that its sound echoed for miles. When the car hit the bus, it was obliterated, and the entire area was engulfed in smoke.

The remains of the soldiers were scattered across the road, and the streets were drenched in blood, alongside the bodies of CRPF personnel. More than 40 soldiers from the 76th Battalion were martyred in the Pulwama attack, bringing tears to many eyes and darkness to numerous homes. Since that day, February 14th has been observed as a day to remember the Pulwama attack and to pay homage to the martyrs.

Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility

Pakistan’s terrorist organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed, claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. This terrorist attack shook the entire nation. To teach Pakistan a lesson, India conducted a surgical strike late at night on February 25th, exactly 12 days after the Pulwama attack. During this, the army killed approximately 300 Pakistani terrorists. India named this attack the Balakot Air Strike.