Kashmir attack COVERAGE: UN says those behind Pulwama attack must be brought to justice
At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed and many others injured in an IED blast that targeted their convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The death toll is expected to rise.The blast occured as a vehicle laden with explosives rammed the convoy. Soon after the blast, shots were fired at the CRPF jawans. Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack.Here are the highlights:
UN says those behind Pulwama attack should be brought to justice
“We strongly condemn today’s attack in J&K’s Pulwama. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives & to the people and Government of India. We wish a speedy recovery to injured & call for those behind the attack to be brought to justice,” the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement..
11:23 pm ISTTime for all to speak up against terrorism.
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 14, 2019
Here is @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres condemnation of #PulawamaTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/F0NxrXzPiI
Will continue to work with international community to eradicate terrorism: Sheikh Hasina
Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment against terrorism in all forms and maintains a zero-tolerance policy against any kind of terrorist activities.We would continue to work and cooperate with international community including India to eradicate menace of terrorism: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
11:22 pm ISTBangladesh PM offers condolences
At this sad moment, we stand by the people and the govt of India. We offer condolences to the members of the families who lost their dear ones. Our thoughts and prayers are speedy recovery of those who got injured: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
11:15 pm ISTSerious security challenge for India: Kiran Bedi
40 brave CRPF Jawans killed in J&K. This is a huge tragedy. And a serious security challenge for the country. This situation demands a united strong response. As also full support to the bereaved families in all possible ways: Kiran Bedi
10:40 pm ISTIndia will give befitting reply: Devendra Fadnavis
The attack was a cowardly act and India will give a befitting reply to it. We condemn this incident. I met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to discuss alliance but due to the Pulwama attack, we kept our discussions short: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.
10:35 pm ISTJammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries announces bandh
Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries has announced a peaceful Jammu bandh tomorrow as a protest against the killing of CRPF Jawans in Pulwama.
10:30 pm ISTMEA offers condolences
We express our sincere condolences to the family members of our fearless security personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice: Ministry of External Affairs
10:25 pm IST‘List JeM chief Masood Azhar as designated terrorist’, India appeals to international community
We strongly reiterate our appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including JeM chief Masood Azhar, as a designated terrorist under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan: Ministry of External Affairs
10:20 pm ISTPakistan stop supporting terrorists: MEA
The govt of India is firmly and resolutely committed to take all necessary measures to safeguard national security. We are equally resolved to fight against the menace of terrorism. We demand that Pakistan stop supporting terrorists and terror groups operating from their territory and dismantle the infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries: Ministry of External Affairs
10:18 pm ISTMumbai Police offers condolences
Our heart goes out to the CRPF personnel who sacrificed their lives for the love of their country! Our heartfelt condolences for the families of the martyrs and prayers for quick recovery of the injured: Mumbai Police
10:15 pm ISTJaish leader Masood Azhar given full freedom by Pakistan: MEA
This terror group (JeM) is led by international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by the govt of Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under the control of Pakistan and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity: Ministry of External Affairs
10:14 pm ISTAttack perpetrated by Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed: MEA
The govt of India condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack on our brave security forces in Pulwama,J&K, today.This heinous act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries: Ministry of External Affairs
10:11 pm ISTSri Lanka offers condolences
I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to the families of police officers who lost their lives: Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe
10:08 pm ISTMaldives offers condolences
Strongly condemn the suicide terrorist attack on the convoy carrying Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir today. I extend my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families of the dead and injured: Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid
10:05 pm ISTBhutan expresses solidarity
Shocked and saddened to hear of the terror attack in Kashmir. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express solidarity with the families of victims, people and the govt of India. Hope perpetrators will be brought to justice: Bhutan foreign minister Tandi Dorji
10:00 pm ISTRahul Gandhi cancels lunch with G20 head of missions tomorrow
We mourn the death of CRPF soldiers and join the country in this hour of grief. In view of this, Rahul Gandhi’s luncheon meet with G20 head of missions tomorrow stands cancelled: Congress leader Anand Sharma tells ANI
9:46 pm ISTNeed to combat terrorism with decisive and collective response: Embassy of Russian Federation
We denounce terrorism in all its forms and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with decisive and collective response without any double standards.We express condolences to families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured: Embassy of Russian Federation
9:41 pm ISTJ&K Governor Satya Pal Malik to go to Srinagar tomorrow
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to go to Srinagar from Jammu tomorrow, reports ANI.
9:31 pm ISTThose hell-bent to disturb peace should refrain from such activities: BJP
Bloodshed is no solution to any issue and those hell-bent to disturb peace should refrain from such activities. We stand with the families of the slain CRPF men in this hour of grief and shock: BJP J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur.
9:28 pm ISTViolence will only add to the army of orphans and widows: Sajjad Lone
Condemn the barbaric attack on CRPF personnel. Violence will get us nowhere. Cycles of violence are unending. They will only add to the army of orphans and widows: Peoples’ Conference chairman and BJP ally Sajjad Gani Lone
9:25 pm ISTAttack created fearful atmosphere: PDP spokesperson
It (the attack) will have a bad effect on everything, be it on political activity or business. It has obviously created a fearful atmosphere in south Kashmir. We had started some political activities in south Kashmir. But after today’s incident, it will take us time to reorganise again and till then, the elections will be on our head: PDP spokesman Rafi Mir
9:20 pm ISTWATCH | Priyanka Gandhi cancels presser, prays for martyred CRPF jawans
9:16 pm ISTMehbooba Mufti hits back at Jitendra Singh over remarks on J&K politicians
Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Jitendra Singh, says, “I beg to differ. As MoS PMO, prudence deems it necessary that you enquire about the security lapse. Instead you re using it as an opportunity to berate us. No regard for solemnity of the occasion. Why discredit us when the fault lies in your refusal to address the problem?”
9:12 pm ISTI beg to differ. As MoS PMO, prudence deems it necessary that you enquire about the security lapse. Instead you re using it as an opportunity to berate us . No regard for solemnity of the occasion. Why discredit us when the fault lies in your refusal to address the problem? https://t.co/EfpODhg9O1
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 14, 2019
Mobile internet services snapped in the whole of South Kashmir
Mobile internet services snapped in the whole of South Kashmir and speed slowed to 2G in Srinagar district, reports news agency ANI.
9:10 pm ISTStrong reply will be given: Rajnath
The attack was carried out by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure the people of the country this. The country pays tribute to the brave jawans who were martyred: Home minister Rajnath Singh
9:05 pm ISTWhole nation with families of martyred jawans: Amit Shah
I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the martyred jawans. The whole nation is standing with the families like a rock: BJP president Amit Shah
9:00 pm ISTJaish releases pic of Pulwama attacker
Kashmiri politicians only interested in minting money: J&K Governor
I would like to tell that all the water from Ujh was going to Pakistan, but now, after we signed an MoU, more than 40,000 hectares of agrarian land will be irrigated in Jammu. Kashmiri politicians never bothered for the past 46 years because they knew that water will go to Jammu. They are simply interested in minting money: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik.
8:53 pm ISTCabinet Committee on Security meet tomorrow
Cabinet Committee on Security to meet at 9:15 am tomorrow in the aftermath of the deadly Pulwama attack, reports ANI, quoting sources.
8:51 pm ISTPoliticians in Kashmir always try to demoralise forces: J&K Governor
Politicians here (in Kashmir) always try to demoralise our security forces. Wherever action is required, it will be taken and we will give specific and strong reply to it. We don’t care about such politicians. They have lost ground: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik
8:49 pm ISTHave to plug loopholes in security apparatus: J&K Governor
Definitely there was a lapse and security forces now have to sit together and take corrective measures to plug the loopholes: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik
8:47 pm ISTSecurity lapse at several places: J&K Governor
At the first place, they (CRPF jawans) should not have travelled with a big convoy of 2,500 jawans. Had the speed of the convoy been high, such an attack would not have been possible on this highway. But somewhere security lapse was there. I will say at several places. Otherwise, it would not have been possible: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik tells a TV news channel.
8:45 pm ISTNepal PM speaks to Modi over Pulwama attacks
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over the Pulwama attack, reports news agency ANI.
8:38 pm ISTOfficers at work to establish full circumstances: J&K Police
Police have registered a case. Officers investigating this terror crime are at work to establish the full circumstances that led to the blast. We condemn this gruesome terror attack and stand by families of martyred and injured jawans at this critical juncture: J&K Police
8:24 pm IST12-member NIA team to leave for blast site tomorrow
12-member NIA team to leave for blast site tomorrow morning. An IG-rank officer of the NIA will lead the team, reports ANI.
8:22 pm ISTThird deadliest peace-time attack in India
The Pulwama attack is the third deadliest peace-time attack on our security forces after the Dantewada attack by Maoists in April 2010 that killed 75 CRPF personnel and the Rani Bodi attack in Chhattisgarh, again by Maoists, in March 2007 that killed 55 policemen.
8:16 pm ISTUnion I&B ministry issues advisory for media
Union information and broadcasting ministry issues advisory for television channels in the wake of Pulwama attack, reports ANI.
8:15 pm ISTUnion I&B Ministry issues advisory for television channels in wake of #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/rvDvpfeLmZ
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019
US says its stands alongside India in confronting and defeating terror
The US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in J&K. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it: US envoy to India Kenneth Juster
8:09 pm ISTNIA team to leave for Kashmir tomorrow
An NIA team is leaving for Kashmir tomorrow morning to assist Jammu & Kashmir Police in forensic evaluation of the spot, reports ANI.
8:01 pm ISTPresident Ram Nath Kovind condemns attack
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: President Ram Nath Kovind
7:59 pm ISTCowardly act, says Devendra Fadnavis
Pulwama attack is an absolutely cowardly and condemnable act. Deeply pained. Entire Nation stands with the CRPF. We salute the supreme sacrifice for the nation and pray for speedy recovery of the injured ones: Devendra Fadnavis
7:57 pm ISTAssam CM Sarbananda Sonowal offers condolences
Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on CRPF jawans in Pulwama. Terror has no place in India and we must together fight this menace as a nation. My heart goes out to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives today. Deepest condolences: Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam CM
7:56 pm ISTNIA to be roped in for probe
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) would be involved in the investigations: K Vijay Kumar, advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, tells news agency ANI.
7:50 pm ISTDeath toll rises to 40
Death toll in the Pulwama attack is around 40: K Vijay Kumar, advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, tells news agency ANI.
7:48 pm ISTSiddaramaiah offers condolences
Deeply disturbed by the gruesome attack on our CRPF jawans in Pulwama that has taken toll of more than 20 jawans. My condolences to the families and well-wishers of those martyred and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured: Siddaramaiah
7:45 pm ISTAct of cowardice by terrorists: Prakash Javadekar
Strongly condemn the attack on CRPF in Pulwama, J&K. It was an act of cowardice by terrorists. Big salute to martyred soldiers. The entire nation stands unitedly with the families of the martyred jawans. Our prayers for the speedy recovery of the CRPF men injured in the attack: Prakash Javadekar
7:40 pm ISTRajnath meets Doval, IB officials
Home minister Rajnath Singh meets special director of intelligence bureau, speaks to intelligence bureau director and NSA Ajit Doval over Pulwama attack, reports ANI.
7:38 pm ISTUnion Home secretary cuts short Bhutan visit
Union Home secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimpu, Bhutan, earlier today for the annual secretary-level talks, has decided to cut short the visit and rush back: MHA spokesperson
7:36 pm ISTMust question terror apologists: Jitendra Singh, MoS, PMO
It’s a dastardly act done out of desperation. I call to question those who while living in India and describing themselves as mainstream Kashmir politicians tend to be apologetic about these terror activities sponsored from across Indian soil: Jitendra Singh,MoS, PMO
7:32 pm ISTModi and Doval discuss Pulwama attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval over Pulwama attack.
7:30 pm ISTPriyanka Gandhi cancels press conference, says ‘not appropriate to talk politics now’
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra cancels scheduled press conference, says, “In the wake of the unfortunate attack in Pulwama, I don’t think it is appropriate to talk politics right now.”
7:24 pm ISTBefitting reply will be given: Hansraj Ahir
The IED blast that took place in Pulwama has martyred many of our CRPF jawans. The martyrdom of the jawans is unfortunate and we take it as a challenge. Befitting reply will be given: Hansraj Ahir, MoS, Home Affairs
7:22 pm ISTWill give befitting reply: Yogi Adityanath
The Kashmir terror attack is an act of cowardice. The nation stands firmly with the brave jawans and wish to assure the people that the sacrifices of our brave soldiers would not go waste. We will give a befitting reply: UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath
7:10 pm ISTMamata Banerjee offers condolences
More news coming in that the death toll of CRPF jawans at Pulwama has now risen. We condemn this violence. Thoughts and prayers with the grieving families of our brave martyrs: Mamata Banerjee
7:04 pm ISTNitin Gadkari offers condolences
Saddened by the loss of life of our soldiers in Pulwama (J&K). The motherland will never forget the sacrifice of martyrs. My deepest condolences with the families who have lost their sons: Nitin Gadkari
7:02 pm ISTRavi Shankar Prasad offers condolences
My salute to the brave CRPF personnel who lost their lives or got injured in Pulwama. Nations stands with them. Their sacrifice only strengthens our resolve in the fight against terrorism: Ravi Shankar Prasad
7:00 pm ISTWe will fight back: Vasundhara Raje
Condemn the dastardly attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama. My thoughts and prayers are with the anguished families of our martyred bravehearts. We stand with you and we will fight back. I wish the injured a speedy recovery: Vasundhara Raje
6:55 pm ISTSpoke to Home minister Rajnath Singh: PM Modi
Spoke to Home minister Rajnath Singh and other top officials regarding the situation in the wake of the attack in Pulwama: Narendra Modi
6:52 pm ISTSacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain: PM Narendra Modi
Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. 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
6:48 pm ISTGet Pak singers to sing love songs and this is what we get in return: Babul Supriyo
Go get all the Pakistani singers to sing all the ‘Love’ songs of Bollywood, as if we don’t have good singers here, AND this is what u get in return on the day that celebrates LOVE. 18 personnel martyred in terror attack on CRPF convoy in JK’s Pulwama. Pained: Babul Supriyo
6:45 pm ISTOur forces will remain firm against such acts of terror and defeat them: Amit Shah
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.
6:43 pm ISTSuresh Prabhu offers condolences
Greatly pained by the gruesome terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy in the Valley today.While I have no words to express my grief, I offer my condolences to the families of the bereaved and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured: Suresh Prabhu
6:42 pm ISTUnofficial estimates put death toll at 27
CRPF is yet to put out an official figure of the death toll, but a security source said 27 jawans dead so far.
6:40 pm ISTVisuals from blast site
Visuals from blast site
Ajit Doval monitoring situation in Kashmir
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation in Kashmir. Senior CRPF officials are briefing him on the situation.
6:30 pm ISTHave to see whether those involved are locals or foreigners: Governor’s advisor
Anyone can take responsibility (for an attack). Earlier too, some groups claimed responsibility for attacks and they turned out to be wrong. Let us wait for investigation to be over. We had general alert for the attack, not a specific input. We have to see whether those involved are locals or foreigners: Vijay Kumar, advisor to J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik.
6:27 pm ISTEvery drop of our soldier’s blood will be avenged: VK Singh
As a soldier and a citizen of India, my blood boils at the spineless and cowardly attacks. 18 brave hearts from the CRPF laid down their lives in Pulwama. I salute their selfless sacrifice and promise that every drop of our soldier’s blood will be avenged: VK Singh
6:25 pm ISTHigh time govt acts against terrorists: Lalu Prasad Yadav
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
6:24 pm ISTTerrorists will be given unforgettable lesson: Arun Jaitley
Attack on CRPF in Pulwama, J&K, is cowardice and a condemnable act. Nation salutes the martyrs and we stand united with the families of martyrs. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act: Arun Jaitley
6:22 pm ISTHome minister Rajnath Singh to visit Srinagar tomorrow
Home minister Rajnath Singh to visit Srinagar tomorrow. He has also spoken to J&K Governor Satyapal Malik over the Pulwama attack. he has cancelled his rally in Patna tomorrow, reports ANI.
6:20 pm ISTAll political parties must come together and reach a solution: Mehbooba Mufti
I don’t have enough words to condemn this attack. Border skirmishes and surgical strikes are leading to nothing. The NDA govt and all political parties must come together and reach a solution to end this bloodshed: Mehbooba Mufti
6:18 pm IST18th big terror attack in the last five years: Surjewala
We strongly condemn this cowardly attack. We extend condolences to the kin of jawans who were martyred. This is the 18th big terror attack in the last five years under this Modi govt: Randeep Surjewala, Congress, tells ANI
6:15 pm ISTJ&K Governor urges security forces to enhance surveillance
Governor has urged all security forces commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and directed the district and divisional civil and police administration to immediately review the security management of all important installations and establishments: J&K Raj Bhawan PRO
6:14 pm ISTAttack seems to be guided from across the border: J&K Governor Satyapal Malik
Governor Satyapal Malik observed that forces responsible for the insurgency in J&K are desperate and frustrated and just want to prove their presence. Visibly it (the attack) seems to be guided from across the border as Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility: J&K Raj Bhawan PRO
6:13 pm ISTRajnath Singh calls up CRPF DG
Home minister Rajnath Singh speaks to CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar over the Pulwama attack.
6:12 pm ISTSenior officers at the spot: CRPF DG
Senior officers at the spot, investigation is underway, injured being taken care of. There were 2,500 personnel in the convoy: CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar tells ANI
6:10 pm ISTPost-blast analysis being done: Zulfiqar Hassan
J&K Police have taken up investigation. The injured have been shifted to hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot: Zulfiqar Hassan, IG, CRPF(Operations), tells ANI.
6:08 pm ISTHow many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends: Mehbooba Mufti
No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends: PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti
6:05 pm ISTAttack reminiscent pre-2004 days: Omar Abdullah
Jaish has claimed the blast as a suicide (fidayeen) attack reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre-2004-05. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured and condolences to the families of the bereaved: Former Jammu and Kashmir CM and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweets.
6:02 pm ISTCongress slams NDA govt over attack
Our homage to the 18 brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice and condolences to their family. Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama- the terror list and compromise of National Security by Modi government continues unabated: Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala
6:00 pm ISTSecurity forces begin search operation
Blast takes place at Lethpora, about 30 km from Srinagar on Jammu-Srinagar highway. The IED was placed in a vehicle, which was parked on the national highway, guarded by CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir police and the army. Security forces begin search operation.
5:59 pm ISTDeeply disturbed by the cowardly attack: Rahul Gandhi
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: Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweets
5:58 pm ISTJaish-e-Mohammad claims responsibility for the blast
Jaish-e-Mohammad claims responsibility for the blast, says it was a fidayeen attack carried out by a local youth. Police identified the terrorist as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. He joined the Jaish-Mohammed in 2018, PTI quoted officials as saying.
5:57 pm IST2,500 CRPF personnel in the convoy: CRPF
There were 2,500 CRPF personnel in the convoy: CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar tells ANI.
5:56 pm IST70 vehicles in the convoy: CRPF
There were 70 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar: CRPF (Operations) IG Zulfiqar Hassan.
5:55 pm IST18 CRPF jawans reported dead in IED blast on Jammu-Srinagar highway
18 CRPF jawans reported dead in IED blast on Jammu-Srinagar highway. The blast was triggered by militants to target a CRPF convoy. The blast ripped through one of the buses the jawans were travelling in.
