New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the current Wednesday, offered his respects to the 40 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel who succumbed in the Pulwama terror incident of 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sentiments in a post on platform ‘X,’ stating, “I extend my homage to the valiant heroes who met their martyrdom in Pulwama. Their dedication and sacrifice for our nation will forever linger in our collective memory,” as conveyed through a post on ‘X.’
The 14th of February, 2019, commemorates the fifth anniversary of the Pulwama terror strike, wherein 40 gallant Indian soldiers lost their lives following a suicide bomber’s detonation of an IED-laden vehicle amidst the security convoy transporting them. In the aftermath of the assault, the Indian Air Force executed numerous aerial maneuvers on the 26th of February, 2019, targeting JeM terror camps situated in Pakistan’s Balakot. This operation resulted in the elimination of a “substantial number” of terrorists and the obliteration of their infrastructure.
The air strike unfolded in the early hours of February 26th, and Pakistan’s attempts to launch a counteroffensive the ensuing day, targeting Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir, were foiled by a vigilant IAF. In the ensuing skirmish, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, piloting a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane and pursuing Pakistani aircraft, ventured into PoK, where his plane was downed.
He was apprehended by Pakistan, and India also successfully downed a Pakistani fighter jet. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid homage to the courageous soldiers, stating, “I extend my respects to our fearless jawans who laid down their lives on this day in Pulwama in 2019. Their bravery inspires us to uphold our vigilance against cross-border terrorism.”
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar recollected the valiant sacrifice of the soldiers, expressing, “Today, we pause to commemorate and salute the courageous CRPF soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Pulwama Terrorist attack while in service to the nation. We stand unified in solidarity with their families and loved ones, extending our deepest condolences and steadfast support. Their sacrifice will eternally be ingrained in our collective memory, never to be erased or forgiven.”
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also conveyed his tributes to the fallen soldiers, stating, “Today, we honor the memory of the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Pulwama. We pay homage to their families, who have exhibited unwavering strength and resilience. We remain perpetually indebted to their service.”
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi also offered salutations to the brave individuals, expressing, “Salutes and humble tributes to the brave martyrs of the Pulwama terrorist attack. The nation will perpetually owe its gratitude to them for their supreme sacrifice devoted to the defense of India.”
