Every year on February 14th, people all across the world celebrate by sending words of love and devotion to lovers, family, and friends. In 2019, the 14th of February took on particular significance in India, due to the brutal Pulwama attacks, which were one of the most horrific attacks on Indian security forces to date, resulting in the death of 40 CRPF brave heroes. This incident has made the day a Black Day in Indian History. As an Indian, if you are unaware of or forget the incident, let us recall it to comprehend the symbolic importance of the day in everyone’s life in our nation.
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ToggleA Quick Recap of The Incident that Happened in Pulwama On February 14, 2019
On 14 February 2019, a convoy of 78 vehicles was heading to the National Highway 44 from Jammu to Srinagar, conveying around 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops. Since the route had been closed for two days, the convoy departed Jammu at about 03:30 IST, carrying a huge number of troops. The convoy was supposed to arrive at its destination before sunset.
A bus carrying security personnel was hit by a car carrying explosives in Lethpora, near Awantipora, around 15:15 IST. The explosion killed 40 CRPF soldiers from the 76th Battalion and injured many more. The injured were sent to Srinagar’s military base hospital. Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old guy, who was driving the explosive-filled car, died on the spot. Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terror organization based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the incident and published a video of the attacker, Adil from Kakapora, who had joined the organization a year ago.
India’s Counterattack After the Pulwama Attack
Following the incident, India perfectly responded to the barbaric attack. On February 26th, the courageous troops carried out a pre-emptive strike on Jaish-E- Mohammed’s training center. The Indian Air Force used twelve Mirage 2000 planes to cross the Line of Control and bomb various terror facilities near Balakot. According to reports, 300-350 terrorists were killed and Lt Gen D.S. Hooda said that the explosives may have been stolen from a construction site.
After the airstrike at Balakot, the Pakistan Air Force attempted to respond by attacking Indian military targets in Jammu and Kashmir, however, the IAF prevented the operation. However, during the subsequent duel between Indian and Pakistani fighters, an Indian MiG-21 was shot down over Pakistan, and its pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was caught. Due to international pressure, Pakistan was forced to release the pilot two days later.
Wrapping Up,
Considering the number of terror attacks that have happened in our country, the Pulwama terror attack was the most destructive in the Kashmir Valley in the past three decades of the military operation and India will never forget the incredible sacrifice of the 40 CRPF soldiers.
Those 40 CRPF soldiers were someone’s son, brother, husband, or father who could no longer enjoy Valentine’s Day on February 14th with their family, friends, and loved ones. So just imagine their family’s emotional state and take an oath to continually protest against such kinds of violence to bring peace everywhere. Jai Hind!