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Pulwama attack LATEST updates: The mobile internet services have been snapped in the whole of South Kashmir and speed has been slowed to 2G in Srinagar district. A video purportedly released by Jaish-e-Mohammed depicts a militant, identified as “JeM fidayeen attacker Aadil Bhai” claiming responsibility for Thursday’s attack. In a press release, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the exact number of casualties is being ascertained, and 33 deaths have been confirmed. Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a high-level meeting at his residence in view of the Pulwama attack. Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimphu in Bhutan earlier on Thursday for the annual secretary-level talks, decided to cut short the visit and head back. An NIA team is set to visit Srinagar on Friday to take stock of the situation. K Vijay Kumar, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor, told ANI that the death toll in Pulwama attack is around 40. Meanwhile, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls for Jammu bandh on Friday against Pulwama terror attack. More than 2,500 CRPF personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Lethapora in Awantipora. Condemning the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.” National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist has claimed responsibility for the incident, they said. Police identified the terrorist as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. He joined the JeM in 2018, they said. The casualties are likely to go up. Several people were injured in the terror attack, which reduced the bus to a mangled heap of iron. Body parts could be strewn around the area. The vehicle was blown up on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora area of the district, a police official said.
Pulwama attack updates: Internet services snapped in south Kashmir; Cabinet Committee on Security to meet tomorrow
Pulwama attack LIVE updates: The mobile internet services have been snapped in the whole of South Kashmir and speed has been slowed to 2G in Srinagar district.
 "Pulwama attack updates: Internet services snapped in south Kashmir; Cabinet Committee on Security to meet tomorrow")
Jammu-Srinagar Highway has seen several terror attacks on security forces
The scene of Thursday’s incident is not very far from the Commando Training Centre at Lethpora, which was stormed by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on 31 December, 2017, killing five CRPF personnel.
The Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been witness to several terror attacks on the security forces.
the CRPF bore the brunt of an attack at Pampore, less than seven kilometres from Lethpora, in June 2016, losing eight jawans while 22 others sustained injuries. Terrorists had attacked a CRPF convoy in Pampore area in February that year as well, before taking refuge at a government building. The operation against the holed up terrorists lasted more than two days and resulted in death of nine persons, including three Armymen and three ultras.
PTI
Foreign dignitaries condemn attack
Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid were among the foreign dignitaries who condemned the attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district. Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed 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 @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_SRILANKA) February 14, 2019
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.@MEAIndia
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) February 14, 2019
Internet suspended in south Kashmir
Mobile internet services have been snapped in the whole of south Kashmir and speed slowed to 2G in Srinagar district.
I&B ministry issues advisory to TV channels
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory to all private satellite TV Channels in view of terrorist attack in Pulwama. It advised TV channels to ensure no content is telecast which is likely to encourage violence, has anything against maintenance of law and order, promotes anti-national attitudes, or contains anything that could “affect the integrity of the nation”.
Union I&B Ministry issues advisory for television channels in wake of #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/rvDvpfeLmZ
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019
Strong reply will be given to JeM attack, says Rajnath
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The attack was carried out by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed. A strong reply will be given and I assure this to the people of the country..”
Home Minister Rajnath Singh: 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 #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/ATxYV6Q7sn
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019
NSG, NIA teams to join investigation
An NIA team with forensic experts is being sent to Srinagar to assist Jammu and Kashmir Police in forensic evaluation of the scene of crime, a home ministry official was quoted as saying by PTI. Explosive specialists of the Black Cat commando force NSG will also join in the investigation into the attack.
Exact number of casualties being ascertained, says police
In a press release, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the exact number of casualties is being ascertained, and 33 deaths have been confirmed. “Police has registered a case in the matter. Officers investigating this terror crime are at work to establish the full circumstances which led to the blast.
“Citizens are requested to stay away from the blast site as the blast site needs to be preserved properly for investigators to examine. Your cooperation will be much appreciated in this regard,” it said in the release.
Rijiju says attackers won’t go unpunished
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said the “cowardly” terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir will not go unpunished and it will be avenged in “all way possible”. “We will definitely give befitting response to this cowardly attack. It will not go unpunished. We will avenge in all way possible,” Rijiju said in a tweet.
जम्मू-कश्मीर के पुलवामा में आतंकी हमले में शहीद हुए भारत के वीर @crpfindia जवानों को श्रद्धांजलि और घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की प्रार्थना करता हूं। इस कायराना हमले का जवाब जरूर दिया जाएगा। पूरी तरह से बदला लेंगे।
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 14, 2019
Watch: Jaish-e-Mohammed claims responsibility for IED attack
A video purportedly released by Jaish-e-Mohammed depicts a militant, identified as “JeM fidayeen attacker Aadil Bhai” claiming responsibility for Thursday’s attack.
List of people on CRPF bus that was attacked
More than 2,500 CRPF personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora. The bus that was the focus of the attack belonged to the 76th battalion of the force.
Nation united in fight against forces of terror, says Ram Nath Kovind
President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to condemn the Pulwama attack. “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,” he said.
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
Rajnath Singh chairs high-level MHA meeting
Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a high-level meeting at his residence in view of the Pulwama attack. Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimphu in Bhutan earlier on Thursday for the annual secretary-level talks, has decided to cut short the visit and head back.
Toll around 40, says advisor to governor
K Vijay Kumar, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor, told ANI that the death toll in Pulwama attack is around 40.
JCCI calls for Jammu bandh tomorrow
Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry calls for Jammu bandh on Friday against Pulwama terror attack.
Violence will get us nowhere, says Sajad Lone
Peoples Conference (PC) chairman and former minister, Sajad Gani Lone on Thursday condemned the attack on CRPF convoy in Lethapora area of Awantipora, terming it as cowardly act. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of those soldiers killed in the attack and also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured soldiers.
Condemn the barbaric attack on CRPF personnel. Violence will get us nowhere. Cycles of violence r unending. They will only add to army of orphans and widows.
— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) February 14, 2019
Dastardly act done out of desperation, says Jitendra Singh
MoS PMO Jitendra Singh said that the “dastardly act” was “done out of desperation.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in view of the attack.
Jitendra Singh,MoS PMO: It's a dastardly act done out of desperation. I call to question those who while living in India&describing themselves as mainstream Kashmir politicians tend to be apologetic about these terror activities sponsored from across Indian soil. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/5ESBQZ5niS
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019
NIA team to visit Srinagar tomorrow
NIA team to visit Srinagar on Friday to take stock of situation, according to reports.
Toll rises to 30
At least 30 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, PTI quoted officials as saying.
More than 2,500 CRPF personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora.
Traffic suspended on Srinagar-Jammu highway
The death toll in CRPF convey attack in Kashmir has mounted to twenty, after more injured paramilitary personnel succumbed, officials said. Several who are seriously wounded were shifted to army’s 92 base hospital.
Following the blast, the vehicular traffic has been suspended on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway as forces cordoned off the entire area and launched search operations.
Satya Pal Malik condemns attack
Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik strongly condemned the attack on a CRPF convoy at Pulwama. He conveyed his grief and sincere sympathy to the families of the brave soldiers who had lost their lives in this attack and prayed for early recovery of all those injured in this gruesome attack.
Expressing serious concern about the terrorist attack on security forces, the governor observed that the forces responsible for insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir are desperate and frustrated and they just want to prove their presence.
The attack seemed to be guided from across the Border as Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed the responsibility, he said, adding that such actions will not deter the resolve of the security forces and people. “We will finish these inimical forces to the last,” he said.
The governor has urged all the security forces commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and directed the district, divisional, civil, and police administration to immediately review the security management of all important installations and establishments.
Attack on CRPF personnel despicable, says Narendra Modi
Condemning the attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.” He also spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other top officials regarding the situation.
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
Internet services to be blocked in Pulwama, 3 other districts
According to reports, in wake of the attack, internet services will be blocked in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam.
JeM militant behind suicide attack
The army and police has cordoned off the villages near the spot and are carrying door to door searches in the villages along side the Srinagar-Jammu highway, where the attack took place.
The attacker, Aadil Ahmad, who drove the vehicle, was a local Goripora area and was a member of militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which claimed responsibility of the fidayeen (suicide) attack on the CRPF convoy.
A JeM spokesperson Muhammad Hassan in a statement to a local news agency said: “dozens of forces’ vehicles were destroyed in the attack”.
Initial investigation suggests vehicle used by militants had over 350 kg of explosives
The security forces have launched a massive operation across south Kashmir to hunt down the militants behind the Thursday attack that took place in Goripora area of Awantipora on the Srinagar-Jammu highway. At least eighteen Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and over 40 injured after militants targeted a convoy with a car bomb. Initial investigation suggested that the vehicle used by militants was Mahindra Scorpio bearing more than 350 kilograms of explosives.
Every drop of our soldier’s blood will be avenged, says VK Singh
Former Indian Army chief General VK Singh said, “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.”
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
— Gen VK Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) February 14, 2019
Arun Jaitley calls attack ‘cowardice act of terrorists’
In a tweet, Union minister Arun Jaitley said that the attack on CRPF in Pulwama was a “cowardice and condemnable act of terrorists”. “Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act,” he said.
Attack on CRPF in #Pulwama, J&K is a cowardice & condemnable act of terrorists. Nation salutes martyred soldiers and we all stand united with families of martyrs. We pray for speedy recovery of the injured. Terrorists will be given unforgettable lesson for their heinous act.
— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 14, 2019
NSA monitoring situation after attack
According to ANI, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation in Kashmir in view of the Pulwama attack. Senior CRPF officials are currently briefing him about the developments.
‘Death toll could be 20’
Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor K Vijay Kumar said, “As far as the death toll is concerned I was told it was initially 18 and 3 people were taken to hospital in critical condition. So, it could be 20. But I am only basing on telephonic reports I am getting from the field.”
K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to J&K Governor: As far as the death toll is concerned I was told it was initially 18 and 3 people were taken to hospital in critical condition. So, it could be 20. But I am only basing on telephonic reports I am getting from the field. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/7WwBLSqBMu
— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019
Rajnath Singh to visit Srinagar tomorrow
Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to CRPF director-general RR Bhatnagar, Governor Satyapal Malik and home secretary over the attack. Rajnath, who was supposed to visit Patna on Friday, has cancelled his trip and will go to Srinagar on Friday. The Ministry of Home Affairs said that it is closely monitoring the situation.
JeM claims responsibility
Militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. JeM spokesperson Muhammad Hassan told local media that the attacker was a local militant, Aadil Ahmad alias Waqas Commando.
Jammu and Kashmir Police takes up probe
CRPF officials told reporters that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken up the investigation and giving out the exact death toll “at this stage is not possible”. “We’re doing the post-blast investigation to understand the circumstances. We’re now clearing the site. All injured have been shifted to the hospital,” they said.
18 CRPF jawans killed after IED blast targets convoy in Awantipora
At least 18 CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday when militants targeted their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, according to several media reports.
An improvised explosive device (IED) blast was followed by gunshots in Goripora area of Awantipora. A CRPF official said that there were 70 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. Several people were injured and the casualties are likely to go up.
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