India will never forget the martyrdom of the security personnel killed in last year's Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he paid tribute to the 40 CRPF jawans who lost their lives in the terror attack on February 14 last year. PM Modi described the CRPF personnel as "exceptional individuals" who devoted their lives by serving the country.
Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted by the suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pulwama district.
Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after the convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were traveling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack.
Leaders across the party lines and civil society condemned the attack and called for an appropriate response.
Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out multiple aerial strikes at JeM terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, killing a "large number" of terrorists and destroying their infrastructure.
Here are the messages by leaders on Pulwama attack anniversary:
Feb 14, 2020 14:39 (IST)
My humble tributes to such brave martyrs: Devendra Fadnavis
The former chief minister of Maharashtra and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said: "India will always remember" martyrdom of brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Feb 14, 2020 12:45 (IST)
BJP president JP Nadda also remembers sacrifice of CRPF personnel
"India will always remember their martyrdom. We should all unite to completely end terrorism from its very roots," JP Nadda said on Twitter.
Feb 14, 2020 12:36 (IST)
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri pays homage to martyrs
"On the first anniversary of the dastardly Pulwama terror attack, I join the nation in paying homage to the sacrifice of our soldiers," said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Feb 14, 2020 12:15 (IST)
Entire nation stands united against terrorism: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India won't forget sacrifice of Pulwama attack brave hearts.
"Remembering the fallen CRPF personnel who were martyred during the dastardly attack in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) on this day in 2019. India will never forget their sacrifice," Mr Singh tweeted.
He said that the entire nation stands united against terrorism and "everyone is committed to continue fight against this menace".