Pulwama Attack Anniversary: Ex-Servicemen in Mandi Honour 40 CRPF Martyrs, Call for Stronger Anti-Terror Measures.
Shimla:
Marking the eve of the seventh anniversary of the 2019 Pulwama attack, the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR), Himachal Pradesh, organised a solemn tribute ceremony in Mandi to honour the 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in India.
Addressing members of the ex-servicemen community and local residents, Capt. Jagdish Verma (Retd.), Chairman of the organisation, recounted the events of February 14, 2019. On that day, a convoy of CRPF personnel travelling along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway was targeted by a suicide bomber at Lethipora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An explosives-laden vehicle rammed into one of the buses in the convoy, killing 40 personnel on the spot and leaving several others seriously injured.
The attack sent shockwaves across the country and triggered widespread condemnation from the international community. Describing the day as a “Black Day” in India’s history, Capt. Verma said that while February 14 is celebrated worldwide as Valentine’s Day, it also serves as a day of remembrance for the nation to honour the courage and sacrifice of its security personnel.
On behalf of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen, Capt. Verma paid homage to the fallen martyrs and extended solidarity to their families. He emphasised that the sacrifices made by the CRPF personnel must never be forgotten and should continue to inspire collective resolve against terrorism.
He also reflected on the measures initiated by the Central Government in the aftermath of the attack to counter terrorism and strengthen national security. However, he expressed concern that terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir have not been completely eradicated. Acknowledging the region’s strategic sensitivity, challenging terrain and complex geopolitical environment, he stated that sustained and decisive action remains essential.
Capt. Verma urged the government to reassess and reinforce its foreign policy strategies where necessary and to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at building a stronger international coalition against terrorism. He stressed that greater global coordination and consistent diplomatic pressure are vital to permanently ending cross-border terrorism.
The tribute ceremony concluded with a collective pledge by the ex-servicemen to uphold national unity and security, and to preserve the memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in service of the nation.
