Ex-servicemen pay tributes to martyrs of Pulwama attack

On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs and OR), Himachal Pradesh, paid heartfelt tributes to the 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who lost their lives in one of the deadliest terrorist strikes in the country.

Capt Jagdish Verma (retd), chairman of the organisation, recalled the tragic events of February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Lethipora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An explosives-laden vehicle rammed into a CRPF convoy, killing 40 personnel on the spot and injuring several others.

The attack, widely known as the Pulwama attack, shook the nation and drew strong condemnation from countries across the world. Capt Verma stated that while February 14 was observed globally as Valentine’s Day, for India it was a “Black Day” in the remembrance of the brave soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

On behalf of all members of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen, he paid homage to the fallen personnel and expressed solidarity with their families. He said that mos of the nations condemned the attack.

Capt Verma said following the attack, the Centre initiated several measures to counter terrorism. However, he expressed concern that terrorist activities in J&K had not ceased. He acknowledged the strategic and geographical challenges in the region, as well as broader geopolitical complexities but emphasised that the people of India expected sustained and decisive efforts to eliminate terrorism. He urged the government to work towards building a stronger international anti-terrorism platform. According to Capt Verma, greater global coordination and diplomatic pressure were essential to ensure that cross-border terrorism was stopped permanently.