More than 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were reportedly killed in a major attack on a CRPF convoy in Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district today. Around 40 have been injured in the attack after terrorists targeted a convoy with an explosive. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack. Fifteen of those injured are in critical conditions. According to news agency ANI, gunshots were reported from the scene after the blast occurred. The injured have been moved to the army base hospital in Srinagar.
The IED blast in Goripora area was followed by gunshots, news agency ANI reported. This is said to be the worst terror strike on security personnel since the Uri attack in September 2016, when four heavily armed terrorists targeted an army brigade headquarters -- resulting in over 17 casualties.
Leaders cutting across all political parties have condemned the Pulwama IED blast. PM Narendra Modi tweeted on the Pulwama attack, saying the "attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable." Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Arun Jaitley, Mehbooba Mufti, Piyush Goyal, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and many others tweeted their condemnation of the IED blast in Pulwama.
International reactions to the Pulwama attack have also condemned the incident. The US, Russia, Maldives, Bhutan and Sri Lanka have all condemned the attack on the CRPF convoy.
Here are the highlights on the attack on CRPF convoy at Pulwama:
After terrorists killed 40 paramilitary personnel in a car bomb attack on their convoy in Awantipora in Pulwama district on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik admitted that security forces failed to act on intelligence inputs.
"The attack is a sign of desperation and frustration due to the clampdown on terrorism," RSS general secretary Suresh Joshi said in a statement.
BREAKING: India Condemns Pak-Based Terror After 40 CRPF Men Killed In Kashmir's PulwamaIndia Condemns Pak-Based Terror After 40 CRPF Men Killed In Kashmir's Pulwama
Read Here: Pulwama IED Blast: US Strongly Condemns Terror Attack On CRPF Men In Kashmir’s PulwamaThe US on Thursday condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and said it stands alongside India in defeating terrorism.
Read Here: Pulwama IED Blast: Priyanka Gandhi On Pulwama Terror Attack: Understand Pain Of Losing A Loved OnePriyanka Gandhi Vadra, the sister of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, today condemned the deadly terror attack on CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased and the injured. The 47-year-old, who was expected to address her first press conference this evening a week after her induction, deferred it.
Explosive specialists of the Black Cat commando force NSG will also join in the investigation into the attack, another official said, according to PTI.
Strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pulwama, J&K. Thoughts and prayers with the families of martyrs and wishing an early recovery to those injured. The entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil #PresidentKovind
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 14, 2019
Read Here: Pulwama Terror Attack: 'We Can't Let This Be Forgotten,' Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan And Others React With ShockPulwama Terror Attack: Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed and several others were injured.
An NIA team with forensic experts is being sent to Srinagar to assist J& K Police in Forensic evaluation of scene of crime
- NIA India (@NIA_India) February 14, 2019
Pulwama IED Blast: "Sacrifices Shall Not Go In Vain": PM Modi On Pulwama Terror Attack
Profound condolences to the families of theCRPF jawans martyred in Pulwama. This is a national tragedy on which all India stands as one.The casualty rate in Kashmir requires measured but decisive response. But no one should exploit the bloodshed for their party-political benefit.
- Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 14, 2019
The AICC general secretary in-charge Uttar Pradesh East also said there is a need to reflect and be concerned about the "high number" of casualties in Kashmir, according to PTI.
She expressed her deepest condolences to the families of the 30 security personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
"I can very well understand the pain and grief of losing a loved one in the family," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in a statement.
Not only the Congress party, but the entire country is standing shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave soldiers, she said, according to PTI.
"But, we must also reflect and be concerned about the high number of casualties in Kashmir. We demand that this government take concrete steps to ensure such terror attacks don''t happen in the future," Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.
The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today's terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it. #KashmirTerrorAttack
- Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) February 14, 2019
As one who has closely observed the valour and dedication of the CRPF, my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the jawans martyred in Pulwama.
- P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) February 14, 2019
He also cancelled all his political engagements in Bihar Friday and is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir.
He called up the governor, who apprised him about the prevailing situation in the state. Singh also spoke to Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Director General of CRPF RR Bhatnagar and gave them necessary instructions, a home ministry official said, according to PTI.
#Pulwama Who are these people who are celebrating a win after this dastardly and cowardly attack..is just condemning this enough..wipe out not just their smiles but their faces.. show us our revenge, instill dismay and dread with the retaliation.🇮🇳
- Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) February 14, 2019
"We need to hunt down those responsible. And make sure there's fitting retribution. My deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in this dastardly act," tweeted Gul Panag.
Gut wrenching images coming out of #Pulwama
- Gul Panag (@GulPanag) February 14, 2019
We need to hunt down those responsible. And make sure there's fitting retribution.
My deepest condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in this dastardly act.
PM @narendramodi spoke to the National Security Advisor and took stock of the situation regarding the attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 14, 2019
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was scheduled to hold a press conference this evening. However, she cancelled the press conference after the Pulwama IED blast on the CRPF convoy.
"To all the families of soldiers killed in the attack, we want to tell you we are with you in this difficult hour. We stand with you shoulder to shoulder," she said.
A two-minute silence was held to pay respect to the CRPF personnel who died in the Pulwama IED blast.
Shocked and deeply saddened by the terrorist attack on our brave #CRPF soldiers in #Pulwama district of #JammuAndKashmir.Strongly condemn such cowardly act and urge govt to take corrective measures against terrorists. We stand by our soliders & govt in efforts to combat terrorism
- Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) February 14, 2019
Read Here: Pulwama Terror Attack: Arun Jaitley Says Terrorists Will Be Given Unforgettable LessonTerrorists responsible for the attack on a CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama today that killed at least 18 personnel and left over 40 injured will be given "unforgettable lesson" for their heinous act, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said in a tweet.
Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2019
Deeply pained to know about 18 CRPF soldiers martyred in a cowardice terror attack on #CRPF convoy in #Pulwama. Strongly condemn such cowardly act. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for injured. It's high time govt must act against terrorists.
- Lalu Prasad Yadav (@laluprasadrjd) February 14, 2019
The CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were traveling in.
"Terrible news coming from the valley. A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved," Abdullah tweeted.
The vehicle was blown up on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in the district''s Awantipora area.
"Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura. Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends?" Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.
Pained beyond words by the terror attack on our soldiers in Pulwama (J&K). It is an act of cowardice. My deepest condolences are with the families of our soldiers who have lost their lives. Our forces will remain firm against such acts of terror and defeat them.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 14, 2019
Read Here: Pulwama Attack Today: Scorpio SUV With 350 Kg Explosives Rammed CRPF Bus - 10 PointsAt least 18 personnel of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) were killed and 40 injured as a vehicle laden with explosives rammed the bus they were travelling in, as part of a large convoy, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Initial information suggests a Scorpio SUV carrying 350 kg of explosives rammed the bus. Some 2,500 soldiers were in different buses on a sanitized and well-protected highway when the blast took place at Awantipora, around 20 km from Srinagar. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack, the worst since the 2016 attack at an army camp in Uri, in which 19 soldiers were killed. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Srinagar tomorrow.
Deeply saddened by news of the IED blast in #Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir in which our brave CRPF Jawans have been martyred. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with our injured Jawans to recover soon.
- Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 14, 2019
Read Here: Pulwama IED Blast, Jammu And Kashmir: Pulwama Terrorist Was Adil Ahmad Dar, Who Joined Jaish Last Year: CopsThe car that rammed a CRPF bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, killing at least 18 jawans on Thursday, was driven by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, officers said.
"Saddened that 13 CRPF jawans became martyrs today in Pulwama. We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery", she said in a tweet.
Ms Banerjee, who is also the Trinamool Congress chief, is away in New Delhi, where she went to attend the opposition parties meeting convened by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, the last day that the present Lok Sabha met, and to discuss with them the strategy to oust the Modi government in the coming Lok Sabha polls, according to PTI.
HM also spoke to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, DG CRPF and the Home Secretary regarding the Pulwama attack. They have apprised him of the situation. HM has cancelled his scheduled visit to Bihar tomorrow. MHA is closely monitoring the situation.
- गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) February 14, 2019
Deeply saddened by the martyrdom of so many @crpfindia #jawans in terrorist attack in #Pulwama district of #JammuAndKashmir. Strongly condemn the cowardly act and condolences to the bereaved families.
- Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 14, 2019
Saddened that 13 CRPF jawans became martyrs today in Pulwama. We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 14, 2019
Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 14, 2019
As a soldier and a citizen of India, my blood boils at the spineless and cowardly attacks. 18 brave hearts from the @crpfindia laid down their lives in #Pulwama. I salute their selfless sacrifice & promise that every drop of our soldier's blood will be avenged. #JaiHind
- Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) February 14, 2019
I'm deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a #CRPF convoy in J&K in which 10 of our brave men have been martyred and many others wounded. My condolences to the families of our martyrs. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 14, 2019
Condemn the cowardly terror attack on our jawans in Pulwama, J&K today.
- Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 14, 2019
Our homage to the 18 brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice & condolences to their family.
Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama- the terror list & compromise of National Security by Modi Govt continues unabated.
Read Here: Pulwama IED Blast: Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Other Politicians Condemn Pulwama Attack On CRPF ConvoyJammu and Kashmir politicians Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah expressed their shock at the terror attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama today in which at least 12 soldiers were killed.Fifteen of the injured are said to be in a critical condition.
Deeply saddened over terrible report of IED blast in #Pulwama,J&K in which our brave CRPF Jawans have been martyred. I salute to their supreme sacrifice.May God give their families strength to bear this loss. My prayers with CRPF personnel,who were injured. Hope they recover soon
- Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) February 14, 2019
Disturbing news coming in from #awantipura . Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends?
- Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 14, 2019
Terrible news coming from the valley. A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed & injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured & condolences to the families of the bereaved. #Kashmir
- Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 14, 2019
