Pulwama Attack: Death Toll Rises to 40, PM Modi Warns Pakistan

Catch all the live updates on the Pulwama attack here.

The death toll in the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy has risen to 40. Earlier on Friday, 15 February, India withdrew the 'Most Favoured Nation' status given to Pakistan.

The MEA will also initiate all possible diplomatic steps to ensure that Pakistan is completely isolated from the international community, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said.

Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the forces behind the terror attack will be punished, warning Pakistan that it is "making a big mistake.” Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi extended support to the government in the aftermath of the attack and said that the "entire Opposition stands with the government and the jawans.”

What Exactly Happened

• A CRPF convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying 2,547 CRPF personnel was attacked at 2:03 pm at Awantipora in J&K’s Pulawama District.
• A Mahindra Scorpio carrying more than 350 kg of explosives hit the convoy at Awantipora, 20 km away from Srinagar.
• A CRPF official told The Quint that terrorists opened fire after the blast ripped through the convoy.
• One of the two buses that were badly hit was carrying 39 personnel.
• The injured are being treated at the Army base hospital in Srinagar.
• In an official statement, CRPF confirmed that 37 jawans have been martyred.
• Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.
• According to NDTV, the stretch of road where the attack occurred was believed to be "safe".
• The jawans were returning from a holiday and were supposed to reach Srinagar before sunset. The convoy started from Jammu around 3 am in the morning.

At least 12 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday, 14 February when a blast ripped through the bus they were travelling in.

Pakistan backed Jaish-e-Mohammed claims responsibility for Pulwama IED terror attack, in a text message to Kashmiri News Agency GNS, reported ANI.

Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack.

CRPF official told ANI that there were 70 vehicles in the convoy, one of which came under attack.

“CRPF Official on Pulwama attack: There were 70 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar,” the official said.

Police identified the terrorist as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. He joined the Jaish-Mohammed in 2018.

Former J&K CM and NC leader Omar Abdullah condemned the attack and said that it was reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre 2004-05.

Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF(Operations) said that the attck is being investigated and the injured have been shifted to the hospital.

“J&K Police has taken up the investigation. The injured shifted to hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot,” he said.

He did not confirm the number of casualties while speaking to the media.

• There was convoy of 70 buses carrying around 2000 to 2500 personnel.
• One bus got badly hit and the another was partly hit. Each bus was carrying 40-45 personnel.
• CRPF official told The Quint, that prima facie, it seems the bomb was planted in another vehicle which was parked on the highway. The moment blast took place, terrorists opened fired on the convoy.
• CRPF is not confirming the number of casualty as of now.

CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar said that there were at least 2,500 personnel in the convoy.

“Senior officers at the spot, the investigation is underway. Injured being taken care of. There were 2500 personnel in the convoy,” he said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh speaks to DG CRPF RR Bhatnagar over Pulwama attack.

In a statement from the J&K Raj Bhavan, Governor Satya Pal Malik observed forces responsible for the insurgency in J&K are desperate and frustrated and just want to prove their presence. He also said that the attack seems to be guided from across border as Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility.

Malik urged all the Security Forces Commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and directed the District and Divisional Civil and Police Administration to immediately review the security management of all important installations and establishments.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to condemn the attack and offer condolences to the families of the deceased.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala slammed PM Modi saying this is the 18th big terror attck under his government.

“We strongly condemn this cowardly attack, we extend condolences to the kin of the jawans who were martyred. This is the 18th big terror attack in the last five years under this Modi government. When will the 56-inch chest reply?” he said.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu’s office condemned the attacked and offered condolences.

Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti said that all parties must come together to find a solution.

“I don't have enough words to condemn this attack. Border skirmishes and surgical strikes are leading to nothing. NDA government and all political parties must come together and reach a solution to end this bloodshed,” she said.

The bus which came under the main impact of the blast belonged to 76Bn CRPF.  As per commuters list there were 39 personnel traveling in the bus. Exact numbers of casualties and injuries is still awaited.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Srinagar tomorrow. He has also spoken to J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik about the attack.

His rally in Patna tomorrow has been cancelled.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley condemned the attack and called it a “cowardice act”.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation in Kashmir post Pulwama attack. Senior CRPF officials are briefing him on the situation.

K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to J&K Governor said that the number of casualties in the attack is still not confirmed.

“As far as the death toll is concerned I was told it was initially 18 and 3 people were taken to hospital in critical condition. So, it could be 20. But I am only basing on telephonic reports I am getting from the field,” he said.

PM Modi took to Twitter to condemn the attack and called it “despicable”.

Offering condolences to the families of martyrs in the Pulwama attack, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said that the government must take concrete steps to prevent such incidents.

Hansraj Ahir, MoS Home said that the Pulwama attack was “unfortunate”.

“The IED blast that took place in Pulwama has martyred many of our CRPF jawans. The martyrdom of the jawans is unfortunate and we take it as a challenge. Befitting reply will be given,” he said.

Congress General Secretary for UP East Priyanka Gandhi Vadra canceled scheduled press conference.

“In the wake of the unfortunate Pulwama attack, I don't think it is appropriate to talk politics right now,” said Gandhi.

J&K IGP SP Pani said that the investigation is underway and the number of casualties is yet not confirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval over Pulwama attack.

MoS PMO Jitendra Singh said that the Pulwama attack was a dastardly act out of desperation.

“It's a dastardly act done out of desperation. I call to question those who while living in India&describing themselves as mainstream Kashmir politicians tend to be apologetic about these terror activities sponsored from across Indian soil,” he said.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimpu, Bhutan earlier today for the annual Secretary-level talks, has decided to cut short the visit and rush back.

Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the attack, ANI reported quoting K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir government.

Experts of the anti-terror commando force National Security Guard (NSG) and investigators of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are being sent to Jammu and Kashmir to join the probe into the terror attack in Pulwama, according to PTI.

A 12 member team of NIA will go to the blast site, sources told ANI. An IG rank officer of the NIA will lead the team.

US Envoy to India Kenneth Juster condemned the attacks in Pulwama.

“US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in J&K. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it,” he said.

Union I&B Ministry issues advisory for television channels in wake of Pulwama attack.

President ram Nath Kovind condemned the attack on CRPF jawans in Pulwama and said that the entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil.

The J&K police has registered a case. Issuing a statement, the police said that officers investigating the terror crime are at work to establish full circumstances which led to the blast.

“Condemn this gruesome terror attack and stand by families of martyred and injured jawans at this critical juncture,” the police said.

Cabinet Committee on Security will meet at 9:15 am on Friday, ANI reported quoting sources.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over Pulwama attack.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar condemned the attack on CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

He also extended condolences to their families.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the "cowardly" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir will not go unpunished and it will be avenged in "all way possible".

BJP president Amit Shah on termed the attack as an "act of cowardice" and asserted that security forces will defeat those involved in terrorist activities.

Paying tribute to the martyred jawans, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that a “strong reply will be given” to Pakistan.

“The attack was carried out by Pakistan backed Jaish e Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this. The country pays tribute to the brave jawans who were martyred,” he said.

The MHA issued a statement saying arrangements are being made to airlift the mortal remains of martyrs.

"Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will be visiting Srinagar tomorrow to take stock of the situation in the wake of the terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy. He will hold review meetings with senior security and police officials to make ground level assessment and review further operational actions.

Meanwhile, MHA is rushing teams of NIA and Forensic experts to carry out investigation into the dastardly attack.

Arrangements are also being made to airlift the mortal remains of the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice." the statement read.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that the Pulwama attack was a “crime against humanity and the entire nation should condemn it.”

"We condemn this cowardly terror attack. This is a crime against humanity. The sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. The entire nation should condemn this and support Indian government's fight against terrorism,” he said.

Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das strongly condemned the Pulwama attack, saying the martyrdom of the jawans would not go waste.

“The martyrdom of the jawans will not go waste. India will definitely take revenge,” Das said in a statement.

He said the entire country is with the families of the martyred jawans.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, who was residing in Jammu, will return to Srinagar on 15 February.

Embassy of Russian Federation condemned the attack in Pulwama and said that they “denounce terrorism in all its forms.”

“We denounce terrorism in all its forms and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with decisive and collective response without any double standards. We express condolences to families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to injured,” the Russian Embassy said.

Rahul Gandhi’s luncheon meet with G20 Head of Missions, scheduled to be heald on 15 February, has been cancelled in the backdrop of Pulwama attacks.

Bhutan Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji expressed grief over the death of CRPF jawans in the Pulwama attack on behalf of his government.

“Shocked and saddened to hear of the terror attack in Kashmir. We strongly condemn this heinous attack & express our solidarity with families of victims,people and the government of India. Hope perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Dorji said.

India slammed Pakistan over the Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, and asked the neighbouring country to stop supporting terrorists and dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

“The Indian government condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack on India's brave security forces in Pulwama,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

This heinous and despicable act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation proscribed by the United Nations and other countries, it said.

This terror group is led by the international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by the Pakistani government to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under Pakistan's control and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity, the MEA said.

The Indian government is firmly and resolutely committed to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security, it said.

"We are equally resolved to fight against the menace of terrorism. We demand that Pakistan stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from their territory, and dismantle the infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries," the statement said.

"We express our sincere condolences to the family members of our fearless security personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice," the MEA said.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in an official letter to PM Modi, condemned the attack in Pulwama and extended support to India in fighting terrorism.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said that she was “outraged and deeply grieved” by the attack on the CRPF convoy, which left 40 security personnel dead.

“I’m shocked, outraged and deeply grieved by the barbarous attack on CRPF convoy in J&K. Our brave CRPF personnel died serving the nation selflessly, at the hands of cowardly terrorists, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Sonia Gandhi.

She said that those responsible for this dastardly terror attack “will be brought to justice and made to pay for this appalling act, that goes against every tenet of humanity.”

The United Nations condemned the Pulwama attack, expressing their “deepest condolences.”

“We strongly condemn today's attack in J&K's Pulwama. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, to the people and the Government of India. We wish a speedy recovery to injured and call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice,” the UN said, in a statement.

In a statement, hours after the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Pakistan said that the incident was a matter of “grave concern.”

Pakistan said that it “strongly rejected any insinuation” by the Indian media and government that sought to link the attack to them “without investigation.”

Massive anti-Pakistan protests rocked Jammu and Kashmir's winter capital on Thursday, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Demonstrations and candle light marches were held at dozens of places. Braving the rains, people took to the streets in Jewel Chowk, Purani Mandi, Rehari, Janipur, Gandhinagar,  Bakshi Nagar, Muthi, Talab Tilloo and Satwari and protested against the killings.

Raising anti-Pakistan, anti-terrorist slogans, the protestors demanded action against Pakistan for "sponsoring terrorism in the Valley." Members of the Bagrang Dal, Shiv Sena and the Dogra Front were seen protesting in large numbers.

J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, in an emergent decision suspended work in all the courts in Jammu, including the high Court and the tribunals, in protest of "the dastardly acts of frustrated terrorists" in Pulwama, Kashmir, a Bar spokesman said.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has directed immediate enhancement of surveillance and review of the security management of all important installations and establishments in the state in view of the Pulwama terrorist attack.

In an official statement, the CRPF confirmed that 37 jawans attained martyrdom, while 5 injured personnel injured are being treated.

The US Friday strongly condemned the terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Kashmir's Pulwama district and called on all countries to deny safe haven and support for terrorists.

Condemning the terror strike, the US State Department said in a statement that it was “resolutely committed” to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all its forms.

“US is resolutely committed to working with the Indian government to combat terrorism in all its forms. UN designated, Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad has claimed responsibility for this heinous act,” the US statement said.

Mobile internet services have been suspended in Jammu as a security measure a day after the deadly attack on a CRPF convoy, news agency ANI reported.

The devastating attack on the CRPF convoy that killed 37 personnel came just two days after Jaish-e-Mohammed warned of an attack in a video, an NDTV report said.

The news channel said that Jaish had warned of a terror attack in Kashmir just two days ago, giving away its modus operandi by showing an attack in Afghanistan, in which an explosive-laden vehicle had been used.

NDTV reports that the video, along with input about a possible attack, had been shared with intelligence agencies by the Criminal Investigation Department of the J&K Police. However, no action had been taken about it, the news channel quoted sources as saying.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security at around 9:15 am on Friday, 15 February. The meeting will be attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, NSA Ajit Doval, and other officials.

The meeting is expected to take a call on the next course of action and India's options — diplomatic or military — in response to the terror attack, The Indian Express reported.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Friday, 15 February, said that a review meeting with top security official to discuss the lapses in security is on the cards. He also said that the wreath-laying ceremony to honour the martyrs will take place on Friday.

The J&K governor further lashed out at Pakistan for harbouring terror suspects.

The White House, in its statement on the Pulwama attack, said that the United States condemns the attack in the strongest terms. It also urged Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe havens provided to terrorist groups on its soil.

All political programmes of BJP leaders, including PM Modi and party chief Amit Shah, for Friday, 15 February have been cancelled in wake of Pulwama Terror attack, BJP sources said..

Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered his condolences to President of India Ram Nath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi on the Pulwama Attack. He said that the perpetrators and sponsors of the attack should undoubtedly be punished.

Indian Air Force C-17 will go to Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar from the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad to get the mortal remains of the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama Attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to take a call on the next course of action and India's options — diplomatic or military — in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

The meeting is attended by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, NSA Ajit Doval, and other officials.

The meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to decide the course of action post Pulwama terror attack has concluded, ANI reported.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, while briefing the media on the result of the Cabinet Committee Meeting, said that after analysing the attacks on CRPF convoy, the MEA will initiate all possible diplomatic steps to ensure the complete isolation of Pakistan from the international community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Vande Bharat Express in New Delhi, said that the forces behind the terror attack in Pulwama will definitely be punished.

The prime minister further paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack and thanked all the nations that have come out in support. He also hit out at Pakistan for trying to destabilise India.

BSP chief Mayawati on Friday, 15 February, said that her party strongly condemns the deadly terror attack in Pulwama. She also urged the Centre to find a lasting solution to resolve the conflict.

In a press conference, Congress President Rahul Gandhi extended support to the government in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

There will be no other discussion from the Congress on this (politics) for the next couple of days,” the party president said.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also said that terrorism is something that should not be compromised.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, on Friday, 15 February, held discussions with security forces and agencies on the Pulwama terror attack, ANI reported.

Security has been tightened at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi in the wake of Pulwama terror attack.

The mortal remains of security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack have been sent to the CRPF camp in Budgam for the wreath-laying ceremony.

After losing at least 37 of its personnel, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) put out a statement, saying that the attack on its convoy will be avenged.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday, 15 February, left for Srinagar accompanied by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.

Singh will take an evaluation of the situation in Pulwama, a day after the attack on a CRPF convoy.

The movement of military convoys has been halted in the Kashmir valley on Friday, 15 February, in wake of the terror attack.

China has again declined to back India's appeal to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN following the Pulwama attack on 14 February, PTI reported.