In a tragic incident on February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of 78 buses carrying 2,500 paramilitary personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.
The attack claimed the lives of 40 brave CRPF members, marking a dark day in Indian history.
February 14 is remembered as a “black day” in India, commemorating the loss of these CRPF heroes.
The nation came to a standstill as the news of their sacrifice unfolded on televisions, leaving a lasting impact on the collective memory.
A 22-year-old suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy, leaving a profound impact on the nation.
In response to the Pulwama attack, India took decisive action. About 12 days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted a targeted air strike on a JeM camp in Balakot, Pakistan.
The attack spurred nationwide protests and prompted extensive diplomatic efforts to designate JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.
These efforts bore fruit when, on May 1, 2019, China lifted its technical hold on a proposal in the UN Security Council, leading to Azhar’s designation.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) played a crucial role in unravelling the plot behind the Pulwama attack.
In August 2020, it filed a comprehensive chargesheet against 19 individuals, including Azhar, based on electronic evidence and testimonies of terrorists and their associates.