The Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi has given a stern warning to Pakistan that they cannot weaken India by orchestrating terror attacks on India’s Central Armed Police Forces.
A total of more than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers have been killed and 5 injured in one of the most heinous terror attack executed by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber in Pulwama district in Jammu & Kashmir.
Heinous act of terror
A suicide bomber driving SUV with 80 kg high grade RDX in the car, was coming from the wrong side of the road and hit the bus carrying around 44 CRPF personnel. The CRPF personnel were returning from leave to re-join duty in the Valley. The attacked bus was the third in a convoy of 78 buses. The personnel included 27 constables, 12 head constables and an ASI.
The injured soldiers were immediately taken to 92 Base Hospital of the Army in Srinagar. JEM has officially claimed the responsibility of the deadliest attack. The bus carrying CRPF personnel belonged to the 76th battalion of the force. The attack took place at the 272nd milestone on National Highway near Latoomode in Pulwama at 3:33 p.m. on February 14, 2019.
During investigations, Police identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmed, who has been associated with JeM since 2018.
Strong warning from PM Modi
Speaking on the terror attack, Modi said, “Security forces have been given complete freedom, the blood of the people is boiling. Our neighbouring country, which has been isolated internationally, thinks such terror attacks can destabilise us, but their plans will not materialise.”
He added, “Those who committed this heinous act will pay a heavy price. Those who supported it will definitely be punished. If our neighbour thinks it can destabilise India, then it is making a big mistake.”
Investigations
Jammu and Kashmir Police has detained 7 suspects from the Pulwama. The mastermind of this attack is believed to be Pakistani citizen – Kamran of JeM. The planning of the attack was done at the planning for the terror strike was done at Midoora area of Tral in South Kashmir.
CRPF now more alert
CRPF has now revised its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with respect to the movement of its convoys by providing additional security personnel in the buses that transport troops to and from Kashmir.
India withdraws MFN Status
India has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status it had given to Pakistan in trade. The withdrawal intends to isolate Pakistan. The Government is identifying items imported from Pakistan on which duties can be raised as it is no longer bound by the MFN rules.
The MFN status was given in 1996 to abide by World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, which says that each member shall apply uniform import tariff on all members and no country will be discriminated against it.
India summons Pakistan Envoy
The Foreign Secretary of India – Vijay Gokhale has summoned Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India – Sohail Mahmood and lodged firm protest over the gruesome terror attack.
What Pakistan has to say
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement saying that the attack is a matter of grave concern. It has denied all the charges of supporting terrorism
The statement read, “We have always condemned acts of violence anywhere in the world. We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian media and government that seek to link the attack to Pakistan without investigations.”
Shocking hypocrisy from China
China has refused to back India’s request of listing JeM’s Founder and Leader – Azhar Masood, under the list of global terrorists by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). China has the veto power in UNSC.
Support for India from other countries
White House Press Secretary – Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region. This attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counterterrorism cooperation and coordination between the United States and India.”
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin said, “Please accept my most sincere condolences for the Indian security force personnel killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We strongly condemn this cruel crime. Those who ordered it and carried it out must undoubtedly be punished. I would like to reaffirm our readiness to further promote anti-terrorist cooperation with our Indian partners.”
Besides, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Russia, and Bangladesh have also condemned the attack on Indian security forces.
