Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid heartfelt tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel who were martyred in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Homage to the courageous heroes we lost in Pulwama in 2019. The coming generations will never forget their sacrifice and their unwavering dedication to the nation.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also honored the fallen soldiers, condemning the attack as a “cowardly act of terrorism.” He shared his tribute on X, stating, “On behalf of the grateful nation, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who were martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama on this day in the year 2019.”
Shah further emphasized the global unity against terrorism, declaring, “Terrorism is the biggest enemy of the entire human race, and the whole world has united against it. Whether it’s a surgical strike or an airstrike, the Modi government remains resolute in completely destroying terrorists with a ‘zero tolerance’ policy.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also joined in honoring the martyrs, highlighting their sacrifice as a source of inspiration in the fight against terrorism. In a post on X, Yogi said, “Heartfelt tribute and salute to all the immortal brave soldiers martyred in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama! The sacrifice of the brave sons of Mother India inspires us to fight unitedly against terrorism. Jai Hind.”
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 soldiers. In retaliation, India conducted a series of aerial strikes on February 26, 2019, targeting JeM terror camps in Pakistan’s Balakot, resulting in the deaths of a significant number of terrorists and the destruction of their infrastructure.
Pakistan attempted to strike back, but India’s alert air force thwarted their efforts. During a dogfight, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison fighter jet, crossed into Pakistani airspace while pursuing enemy jets. His aircraft was shot down, and he was captured by Pakistan, though he was later released. India also shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in the encounter.
