Pulwama terror attack updates: MEA holds high-level meeting with representatives of over 15 countries

India briefs P5 nation envoys on Pulwama attack

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale met envoys of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and apprised them of Pakistan’s role in the Pulwama attack.

Youth Congress workers protest near Pakistan High Commission

Activists of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) Friday protested near the Pakistan High Commission against the terror attack in Pulwama and demanded that India shut down the neighbouring country’s diplomatic mission in Delhi.

Around 100 Youth Congress workers assembled at Teen Murti Marg and raised slogans against Pakistan.

Maharashtra govt announces aid for kin of 2 slain jawans

Maharashtra chief minister​ Devendra Fadnavis announced financial aid of Rs 50 lakh each to the families of two CRPF jawans — Sanjay Rajput and Nitin Rathod — who were martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. Fadnavis made the announcement in Sangli district where he is on an official visit.

भारतमातेच्या रक्षणासाठी महाराष्ट्रातील
या दोन्ही वीरांच्या आणि देशातील इतरही
वीरांच्या बलिदानाला महाराष्ट्राचा सलाम...

शत शत नमन! #Pulwama pic.twitter.com/wdkrhZHRw5

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 15, 2019

Representatives of several diplomatic missions arrive at MEA office

Representatives from Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia and Japan arrived at the Ministry of External Affairs to discuss Pulwama attack.

Representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain and Bhutan were also present. The meeting started at 6 pm.

Delhi: Representatives of different diplomatic missions arrive at the Ministry of External Affairs. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/CyoysYcloE

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

University of Jammu postpones all exams on 16 February

All the examinations which were going to be conducted in University of Jammu on 16 Feberuary have been postponed due to violent protests and arson in the city after the highway attack which claimed the lives of 49 CRPF personnel.

“All the examinations to be conducted on 16 February, 2019 (Saturday) stand postponed, due to unavoidable circumstances. Fresh dates shall be notified later on,”said Dr Vinay Thusoo, Jammu University spokesperson.

Our jawans will ensure India’s enemies get strong rejoinder, says Piyush Goyal

Condemning the Pulwama attack, Union minister Piyush Goyal said, “Our armed forces and people of India are competent to give a befitting reply to such forces. Our jawans will ensure that forces which are enemy to India’s interest get a strong rejoinder and people of India will continue to give confidence to them.”

Union Min P Goyal: Unfortunate event in which our soldiers gave supreme sacrifice.I'd like to express my condolences to families of noble jawans.I pray God gives their families strength to bear irreparable loss&pray for early recovery&good health of injured jawans. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/gAOL5st8Cv

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

South Korea condemns Pulwama attack

The South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement: “It is our firm position that terrorism is a crime against humanity that cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be eradicated. We will continue to actively work with the international community to eradicate terrorism.”

All party meeting at 11am tomorrow

In wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has called an all-party meeting on Saturday at the Parliament library.

Rajnath Singh meets injured CRPF jawans

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Governor Satya Pal Malik are visiting the injured CRPF jawans at the hospital.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets injured CRPF personnel at Army base camp in Srinagar #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/aBxgf4qT1w

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

‘Civilian vehicles won’t be allowed to pass for a while during convoy movement’

Addressing the media on Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “It has been decided that the civilian movement will be stopped for sometime when a large convoy of security forces passes through an area. Civilians will face a little difficulty.”

HM Rajnath Singh in Srinagar: In the wake of suicide attack on CRPF convoy y'day, it has been decided that the civilian movement will be stopped for sometime when a large convoy of security forces passes through an area. Civilians will face a little difficulty,we apologise for it pic.twitter.com/dk4xFtNl8t

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

We’ll fight terrorism to the end, says Rajnath 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the he has requested state government to extend the maximum help in their capacity to help the bereaved families. “I’ve given all the necessary directions to the officers. The morale has not taken a hit. We’ll see this fight against terrorism to the end,” he said.

Pulwama attack won’t deter our courage, says Rajnath Singh

After holding a high-level security meeting in Srinagar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, “We stand with the bereaved families. This will not deter our courage. We will not allow terrorists from across border to succeed. We are happy people of Jammu and Kashmir are against terrorism. There are some elements that are operating with groups like ISI. These people are playing with the future of the people and youth of Jammu and Kashmir. I have told security forces to withdraw security of those elements who take money from ISI to spread mayhem and violence.”

SOP of convoy movement likely to be reviewed

The standard operating procedure of the movement of convoys is likely to be reviewed after the Pulwama attack. CNN-News18 reported that the SOP of the movement of convoys has not been revised in the last 20 years.

CRPF sends report to MHA

In its report after the Pulwama attack, CRPF told MHA that civil vehicles are not stopped when a convoy passes. It also informed that the CRPF buses offer no protection from bullets or IEDs, according to CNN-News18.

What has Pulwama attack got to do with Kartarpur corridor, asks Navjot Singh 

Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, who has been backing the opening of a corridor for Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, said, “What has this bloodshed got to do with Kartarpur? It connects people and hearts. When a person becomes a pilgrim out of devotion, he becomes a different person. What I feel is we should deliberate over this, find the root cause of the problem and uproot it.”

Punjab Min Navjot Singh Sidhu: What has this bloodshed got to do with Kartarpur? It connects-people, hearts. When a person becomes a pilgrim out of devotion,he becomes a different person. What I feel is we should deliberate over this, find the root cause of the problem&uproot it. pic.twitter.com/dgrzPwuyRj

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Tripura announces Rs 2 lakh each for families of CRPF personnel killed in attack

Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Friday announced Rs 2 lakh each for families of CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Thursday’s attack.

Shiv Sena demands joint session of Parliament

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told ANI that the party is demanding a joint session of Parliament over the Pulwama attack.

Adil Ahmad joined militancy after disappearing in March 2018, says father

News18 quoted Ghulam Dar, father of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad, as saying, “He was a Class 12th dropout. He disappeared in March 2018, and we later found out that he had joined militancy. On Thursday, we were informed by the police that he has been killed.”

Watch: Hindu Jagran Manch leader demands death of 400 Pakistanis

Prachar Sachiv of south Assam wing of Hindu Jagran Manch, Sanjiv Singh Lohani said, “We want at least 400 Pakistanis to be killed to answer this brutal killing. We want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do it or allow us to take steps. We want to kill at least ten times more Pakistanis in return.”

Watch: Hindu Jagran Manch burns effigy of suicide bomber

To protest the brutal attack on a CRPF convoy, Hindu Jagran Manch along with other organisations, burnt an effigy of the jihadi suicide bomber in Silchar on Friday. They also criticised former Jammu Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for allegedly supporting them. 

By Biswa Kalyan Purkayastha/101Reporters

Case filed against AMU student

The Aligarh police has registered a case against AMU student Basim Hilal fot his objectionable post over Pulwama Attack. His social media accounts have been deactivated by the police. 

Input by Saurabh Sharma/101Reporters

AMU suspends student over tweet on Pulwama attack

The Aligarh Muslim University has suspended Kashmiri student Basin Hilal for posting “highly-objectionable comments” on social media over Thursday’s attack. Hilal had posted a tweet saying, “How’s the Jaish? Great Sir. "

Protests outside Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi

The security has been beefed up outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, where protests are being held.

IAS officers in UP to donate one-day salary to victims’ families

The Uttar Pradesh IAS association announced that its members will donate one day’s salary to the families of the CRPF jawans who lost their lives in Thursday’s attack.

Input by Saurabh Sharma/101Reporters

Rajnath Singh, Satya Pal Malik hold meeting with officials

Home Minister Rajnath Singh is chairing a high-level meeting in Srinagar to review the security situation in the wake of Thursday’s attack.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik hold meeting with officials in Srinagar. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/z2IFBDTHG1

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan called to Delhi

According to reports, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has been called to Delhi for consultations on the way forward after Thursday’s attack. Meanwhile, officials in the Ministry of External Affairs are busy holding several meetings.

Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani condemns Pulwama attack

In a press statement, Afghanistan president Ashraf Ghani expressed sympathy and deep condolences to the Indian government and people, and the families of the soldiers who fell victim to the incident. 

“Terrorism is a cancer in the region, and it requires collective efforts to root it out,” he said.

Army holds flag march in Jammu amid violence by protesters

After imposition of curfew in whole Jammu district, the army carried out flag march in the volatile Gujjar nagar area where protesters went on a rioting spree damaging cars.

Clashes had erupted between protesters and police in Gujjar nagar, a muslim area, after which, authorities decided to impose curfew to put a curb on deteriorating situation.

Input by Umar Farooq Sofi/101Reporters.

Muslims raise slogans against Pakistan

The Muslim community in Itarsi raised slogans against Pakistan and terrorism after Friday prayers.

Image by Aashish Jain/101Reporters

US asks Pakistan to end ‘support’ and ‘safe haven’ to terror groups

In a stern message to Pakistan, the White House has asked Islamabad to “immediately end” its “support” to all terror groups and not to provide “safe haven” to them, as the US condemned the brutal Pulwama terror attack.

“The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a late night statement on Thursday.

“This attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counter-terrorism co-operation and coordination between the United States and India,” she said.

PTI

Hafiz Saeed, Masood Azhar should meet Osama’s fate, says Ramdev

Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed should be brought to India or should meet the fate of Osama bin Laden, Yoga guru Ramdev said Friday, while seeking strong action against Pakistan.

Describing Thursday’s attack as an attack on the “unity, integrity and sovereignty” of India, he said time has come to merge Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with India. “All terrorists, whether coming from across the border or already inside our territory, must be eliminated, especially Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar. Wherever they are, they must be brought to India or should meet the fate of Osama bin Laden (who was killed by US forces inside his secret residence in Pakistan’s Abbotabad),” Ramdev said on sidelines of an event in Noida.

PTI

Curfew imposed in Gujjar Nagar area in Jammu

Jammu city was rocked by massive anti-Pakistan protests with people taking to the to streets in dozens of places, including Jewel Chowk, Purani Mundi, Rehari, Shaktinagar, Pacca Danga, Janipur, Gandhinagar and Bakshinagar.

According to some reports, there were clashes in Gujjar Nagar, a locality with a sizeable Muslim population, where some vehicles were damaged due to pelting of stones. However, police swung into action and prevented a major clash. Raising anti-Pakistan, anti-terrorists slogans, protesters burnt tyres on many roads. The agitators, mostly youth, put up barricades on roads demanding revenge. A curfew has been imposed in the area.

Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh shoulder remains of CRPF soldier

‘Super30’ explosive concoction made of common ingredients used in attack, say reports

A concoction of commonly available chemicals like urea and household acids, known as Super 30 was apparently used in the IED blast which claimed the lives of 42 soldiers, CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying.

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to slain militants

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and Indian Army’s Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh pay tribute to CRPF personnel who lost their lives in Budgam of Jammu and Kashmir. 

#WATCH Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik and Army's Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh in Budgam, pay tribute to CRPF personnel who lost their lives in #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/woCNZNGvzS

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

India issues strong demarche in connection with Pulwama attack

According to sources , foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood to the Ministry of External Affairs today at 2 pm and issued a very strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama on Thursday. Gokhale told Mahmood that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against the Jaish-e-Mohammad and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories.

Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood summoned to MEA over Kashmir terror attack

According to latest reports, Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood has been summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs over Thursday’s attack in Pulwama. A suicide bomber, who was a Jaish-e-Mohammad handler, rammed his car into a CRPF convoy killing over 42 jawans. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood and lodged strong protest over the killing of the CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, official sources said.

Pakistan lawmaker calls says Islamabad makes no gains from India’s accusations

Pakistan’s People Party lawmaker Sherry Rehman took to Twitter on Friday after the Pakistan foreign office released a statement condemning India’s “insinuations” on Islamabad’s involvement in the Pulwama terror attack and said, “Modi’s India is escalating its response to a heinous #KashmirTerrorAttack by premising Pakistan’s hand in it. Yet Islamabad makes no gains from such an attack. Instead of a political response to years of brutal repression in Kashmir, hysteria is being amplified against Pakistan.” 

Modi’s India is escalating its response to a heinous #KashmirTerrorAttack by premising Pakistan’s hand in it. Yet Islamabad makes no gains from such an attack. Instead of a political response to years of brutal repression in Kashmir, hysteria is being amplified against Pakistan.

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) February 15, 2019

Violence in parts of Jammu, 12 injured

Violence has been reported in parts of Jammu and reports said that 12 people have been injured. According to The Indian Express, nearly a dozen people were injured and over half a dozen vehicles torched in Gujjar Nagar area of Jammu City as violence broke out during Jammu bandh on Friday morning. The bandh was called by Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and it was touted by various political, social and religious organisations to protest the killing of at least 40 CRPF men in a militant attack in Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Curfew imposed in Jammu city

In view of prevailing law and order situation in Jammu district, the district magistrate Ramesh Kumar has imposed curfew in Jammu district. The official letter said that in the current condition there was a likelihood of breach of peace “which may lead to acts of arson, targetting vehicles and causing life and property.” In order to avoid such a situation, the district magistrate imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in the whole area of Jammu City.

 Umar Farooq Sofi/101 Reporters

Befitting reply will be given to Pulwama perpetrators

Addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated condemnation for the Pulwama terrorist attack which killed 42 CRPF jawans on Thursday. “A grateful nation bows to the martyrs of Pulwama,” Modi said. “A befitting reply will be given to the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their patrons. No force will succeed in disturbing peace, progress and stability of India,” the prime minister further added. 

PM Modi lays foundation stone and inaugurates development projects at Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. https://t.co/hn4YZnoC5p

— BJP (@BJP4India) February 15, 2019

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns Pulwama attack 

An official source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation over the explosion that targetted a military convoy in the India part of Kashmir, claiming dozens of deaths and injuries. The source stressed the Kingdom’s rejection of these cowardly terrorist acts and its stand with the friendly Republic of India against terrorism and extremism, offering condolences to the families of the victims, Indian government and people and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Sidhu condemns Pulwama attack, but asks if entire nation can be blamed for handful of people

Strongly condemning the “cowardly” attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama, Punjab Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Friday asked whether an entire nation can be blamed for a handful of people. 

The cricketer-turned-politician, who was among the invitees for the swearing in ceremony of Imran Khan as Pakistan prime minister last year, however posed, “For a handful of people, can you blame the entire nation and can you blame an individual?” ​

Sidhu said, “It (the attack) is a cowardly act and I condemn it firmly. Violence is always condemnable and those who did it must be punished.” – PTI

Home Ministry stalls movement of security forces convoy in Jammu and Kashmir

The movement of convoy of security forces in Kashmir Valley was suspended on Friday apprehending law and order situation, a day after an audacious attack on a bus killed 40 CRPF personnel, officials said.

There will be no convoy movement on Friday in Kashmir Valley as there is a possibility of law and order problems, a Home Ministry official said. Movement of isolated vehicle is strictly prohibited while movement of Army and CRPF vehicles in the interior, inter-district and intra-district in the valley is also banned on Friday, the official said.

How radicalisation turned Adil Ahmad Dar, an introvert at school, into a deadly bomber

At school, Adil Ahmad Dar was a shy and introverted student who hardly took an interest in games. According to one of his friends, who didn’t wish to be named, he was an ‘average student’ who remained aloof in the classroom and dropped out after Class 12. He joined Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit in March 2018, police sources said.

After joining the insurgency, three months later, his house was one of the many residential houses allegedly burnt down by security forces in June last year. After the attack, forces launched a massive crackdown and carried out the door to door searches in many villages of south Kashmir. But the damage was already done. 

China ‘shocked’ but maintains Masood Azhar is not a terrorist

China on Friday condemned the Pulwama terror attack carried out by a Jaish suicide bomber but once again declined to back India’s appeal to list the Pakistan based terror group’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

Slain jawan Mahesh Kumar was the sole bread-winner in family

As the nation was mourning the martyrdom of Mahesh Kumar, figuring among the list of jawans who were killed in the Pulawama terror attack, his family members were unaware of the attack and were in complete disbelief till late on Thursday night. 

A member of the 118 battalion, whose name features in the list provided by CRPF, belonged to village Tudihar Badal Ka Purwa, Newdhiyaa in Meja, around 45 kilometres from the district headquarter in Prayagraj.  Mahesh’s father Rajkumar, an auto-rickshaw in Mumbai, had been the sole-bread earner for the family till his son got recruited in CRPF.

Mahesh’s sister Vandana said that he had left for Jammu and Kashmir on 12 February After spending five-days with his family in village.  Mahesh’s wife Sanju Devi said Mahesh had promised his children 5-year-old Sahil and 6-year-old Samar that he will return soon. 

She along with her mother-in law Shanti Devi too were unaware of the terror attack and the martyrdom of 42 jawans in Pulawama. She said Mahesh was originally posted at Bihar and after leave of a week, he was slated to join his duty in Jammu and Kashmir.

By Khanal V, 101Reporters

Rajnath Singh leaves for Srinagar

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh along with Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, has left for Srinagar.

We will not forgive, we will not forget,’ CRPF tweets condolences, says killings of our brothers will be avenged 

“WE WILL NOT FORGET, WE WILL NOT FORGIVE:We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged.(sic),” Central Reserve Police Force tweeted on Friday.  

WE WILL NOT FORGET, WE WILL NOT FORGIVE:We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged. pic.twitter.com/jRqKCcW7u8

— 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳 (@crpfindia) February 15, 2019

US Senators react to attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama 

Reactions by U.S Members of Congress on #Pulwama #KashmirTerrorAttack
on 14 February 2019. pic.twitter.com/qWLXP5d4KY

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 15, 2019

Slain CRPF jawan Ajit Kumar, eldest in three brothers, had joined CRPF four years ago 

Ajit Kumar, 35, of Lok Nagar area of Unnao town in Central Uttar Pradesh was martyred in the Pulwama attack. He had joined the CRPF four years ago and was in the 115 Battalion of the CRPF. Ajit’s younger brother Ranjeet, who helps his father in farming, said, “I received a call on my mobile on Thursday evening that my brother was among the soldiers killed there in Jammu and Kashmir.” Ajit was eldest among five brothers. His three brothers are in different jobs in Uttar Pradesh. The martyred soldier had come to the village last month and lived there for three weeks before returning back to duty on 10 February. 

Input by Sunita Sahi, 101Reporters.

Madhya Pradesh govt announces Rs 1 crore compensation for slain jawans from state

Madhya Pradesh government has announces Rs 1 crore as compensation to the family of CRPF jawan Ashwini from Jabalpur who was killed in the attack. One member from the jawan’s family will also get a government job, and the family will also be given a house.

Input by Shahroz Afridi, 101Reporters

Kashmiri separatists say understand pain of those killed, slam govt’s military approach to political problem  

Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik said that people and leadership of Kashmir regret every killing that happens on its soil. “As we witness killing of our loved ones our young ,and shoulder their coffins each day we can feel and understand the pain and sense of loss that the family and friends of those who are  killed go through, not for a day or two when everyone is expressing grief and condolences to them ,but the silent grief and loss that stays with them for a lifetime.”

JRL said that the delay in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute ,the denial to engage with the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir  and instead the use of a muscular military approach to counter an essentially political and human problem, is wrecking havoc in Kashmir especially on our next generation and consuming them , while those who are here to execute this  policy are also under stress and paying a price with their lives.

Father of slain CRPF jawan says ready to sacrifice another son for country, but Pakistan must be punished

The devastated families of CRPF personnel killed in the attack have on;y request, that those who mass murdered their sons should be punished. Ratan Thakur’s father, who hails from Bhagalpur in Bihar said: “I have sacrificed a son in Mother India’s service, I will send my other son as well to fight, ready to give him up for Mother India, but Pakistan must be given a befitting reply.” 

People gather at funeral prayer meet of Adil Ahmad Dar

Massive number of people reached the residence of the Jaish-e-Mohammad militant Adil Ahmad Dar alias Waqas Commando on 14th of February who attacked the CRPF convoy at Lethpora for funeral prayers. The place is near awantipora town of district Pulwama.

Input by Uruss Shah, 101 Reporters

‘Freedom fighters struck hard’: How Pakistani media covered Pulwama attack

Publications in Pakistan aimed to highlight “India’s attempts to isolate” the country globally by blaming it for terror incidents, and also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of creating an impression as “keen for good relations” while painting Pakistan to be the “spoiler”. The media also said that the Indian government had used the strained relations with Pakistan as a smokescreen to distract the public away from “dissatisfaction with other issues”. 

A report by The Nation said, “Refusing to bow down to the ever-increasing Indian brutalities in Occupied Kashmir, the freedom fighters on Thursday struck back hard at the occupational forces when a car bomb ripped through an Indian military convoy killing 44 soldiers and injuring dozens of others on Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.”

This is a terrible tragedy, we are together in its hour of mourning, says Rahul Gandhi

“This is a time of mourning, sadness, and respect. We are fully supporting the govt of India and our security forces. We are not going to get into any other conversation apart from this,” Rahul Gandhi said on behalf of the Congress party.

India’s Opposition stands with the govt, security forces, says Rahul Gandhi

“This attack was an assault on the soul of India. In this hour, we stand united and no external force can break us apart. We stand firmly behind the government and the security forces,” says Rahul Gandhi.

Toll rises to 42 as CRPF manages to identify four more bodies

Devastated family members of CRPF Jawan Maninder Singh seek action against Pakistan 

Family of CRPF personnel Maninder Singh who lost his life in Pulwama Terror Attack yesterday, mourns his death.

Input by Gurpreet Chawla. 101Reporters

Canada strongly condemns terrorist attack on Indian security forces

“Canada strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir today. Canada offers its deepest condolences and profound sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the attack. Canada remains steadfast in its support of the global fight against terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and the people of India in the fight to prevent radicalization and defeat terrorism in all its forms,” an official statement said.

India demands global isolation of Pakistan, says will work for finalising CCIT

Union Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Ministry of External Affairs will take all efforts to internationally isolate Pakistan. He also said that India will increase efforts for finalising the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which has been stuck for a long time, to ensure comprehensive action against Pakistan.

Indian Air Force C-17 arrives in Jammu and Kashmir

Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar from Hindon to get the mortal remains of CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama.

Input by Uruss Shah, 101 Reporters

We all will have to fight against this terror together, says Modi

“Pulwama attack |  Several countries have condemned this attack and have promised to stand by India. We all will have to fight against this terror together. When every country will start acting against it, terror will not sustain for long,” Modi said.

Have given security forces full freedom to crush terrorism, says Narendra Modi

“The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished. We have given our security forces a free hand to crush terrorism completely,” Modi said.

" I thank all the nations who have supported us and condemned this incident in the strongest of terms. A strong reply will be given to this attack," Modi said.

Pakistan made a huge mistake, will have to pay heavy price, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished. This was a huge mistake on their part. We are going to intensify every effort to crush terrorism," Modi said.

“If Pakistan, which is facing a massive financial crunch, is hoping to stall our onward journey with such misadventures, I want to remind them the entire India willl give them a befitting reply as one voice,” Modi said.

MEA will take all steps to isolate Pakistan internationally 

“MEA will initiate all possible diplomatic steps which are to be taken to ensure the complete isolation from the international community of Pakistan of which incontrovertible is available of having a direct hand in this act,” Jaitley said.

India withdraws status of most favoured nation from Pakistan

India will withdraw the status of most favoured nation from Pakistan and the relevant announcement will be made by the Ministry of Commerce in some time, Arun Jaitley said.

Arun Jaitley briefs press on CCS meet takeaways, says committee observed two minutes silence for martyred soldiers

“The Cabinet Committee on Security met under the chairmanship of the prime minister to take  and assessment and discuss the incident that took place in Pulwama yesterday, in which a large number of CRPF personnel laid down there life. We observed a two minute silence to honour the sacrifice of the personnel, we also put on record its gratitude and expressed our condolences to the bereaved families,” Jaitley said.

UP govt announces 25 lakh compensation for kin of jawans killed in attack hailing from state 

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to all the 12 jawan’s families from Uttar Pradesh. He has also promised of giving a government job to one person in the family of the soldier killed in accident. The government also promised to build a road named after the soldiers in their village.

Input BY Yogesh Bharadwaj, 101Reporters

NIA team to visit site of accident, will lead probe in death of 40 CRPF personnel 

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, with a suitable forensic component, would be leaving on Friday to assist the Jammu and Kashmir police in forensic evaluation of the scene of crime.

CCS meet ends in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh to leave for Kashmir shortly

18th terror attack during NDA rule, government silent, says Congress

Even as Congress chief Rahul Gandhi did not immediately make a political statement on the Pulwama attack, party spokesperson Randeep Sing Surjewala pointed out that this was the “18th major terror attack under Modi rule”.

“Pampore, Uri, Pathankot, Gurdaspore, Amarnath, Surjanpur… the list is endless. Every day there are attacks from Pakistan. Every day ceasefire violations take place, 400 jawans have been martyred in Jammu and Kashmir alone… Yet our government is quiet… The truth today is India is facing unprovoked terror attack from Pakistan,” Surjewala told NDTV .

‘Will go to heaven,’ JeM bomber Adil Ahmad Dar said in video before suicide strike

Adil Ahmad Dar, who bombed the CRPF convoy, was a local resident who lived just 10 kilometre away from the place where the attack took place. His photo and videos emerged soon after the deadly attack, the worst in decades. “My name is Adil, I joined the Jaish e Mohammad a year ago. After a year’s wait, I have got the chance to do what I joined the Jaish for… By the time this video reaches you, I will be in heaven… this is my last message for the people of Kashmir,” Adil Ahmad says in the video .

Expect strong military action, drastic impact on diplomatic ties with Pakistan, reports CNN-News18

India could immediately announce number of diplomatic measures against Pakistan as a response to Pulwama terror attack after the CCS ends today. On the table would be options like lowering the diplomatic ties with Pakistan drastically. There could be also decision on scrapping the entire Kartarpur corridor. 

Apart from the military steps will also be considered, however, any announcement in this regard is unlikely to be made public.

Remains of CRPF jawans to be flown from Srinagar in IAF’s C-17 Globemaster

Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster to go to Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar from Hindon to get the remains of CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama attack.

Cabinet security meet underway in Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Security meeting has started in New Delhi. The Cabinet is expected to explore options — diplomatic or military — for the next course of action for a response. 

Delhi: The meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security is underway at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. pic.twitter.com/y8aL7sytlu

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Russia condemns terror attack in Kashmir, says perpetrators should be duly punished 

Russian President Vladimir Putin told President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “Please accept the most sincere condolences. We strongly condemn this brutal crime. The perpetrators and sponsors of this attack, undoubtedly, should be duly punished.”

Mangled remains of soldiers make identification of dead difficult; official list identifies 38 personnel 

Various reports from the Valley state that the impact of the explosion was such that the CRPF bus has been reduced to debris. The identification of the jawans was difficult because the remains were badly mangled. The CRPF has combined a list of 38 personnel who have been killed in the incident.

JeM claiming responsibility raises questions over role of ISI, says us expert

The Jaish-a-Mohammed (JeM) claiming responsibility of Thursday’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir has raised questions over the role of the Pakistan spy agency, ISI, in the gruesome strike, a former CIA analyst and South Asian expert said. “The self-proclaimed involvement of JeM in the attack raises serious questions about the role of the ISI in supporting the masterminds of this operation,” Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst, told PTI.

The terrorist attack, which has direct footprints inside Pakistan, poses the first major challenges to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Riedel, who is now a scholar at the Brookings Institute think-tank.

‘Fly to Srinagar and visit the injured instead of giving interviews,’ Omar Abdullah’s ‘unsolicited’ advice to Governor Satyapal Malik

“Dear Governor Malik, some unsolicited advice from a person who has governed J&K for 6 years. Pls stop giving interviews, let your advisors do it. You will only make things worse by trying to talk your way out of this situation. Please take the state plane & fly to Srinagar, visit the injured. Convene an urgent UHQ meeting & take stock of the situation. This should have been done yesterday but yesterday you were too busy passing the buck,” former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.

Devastated family members of CRPF Jawan Maninder Singh seek action against Pakistan 

Family of CRPF personnel Maninder Singh who lost his life in Pulwama Terror Attack yesterday, mourns his death.

Input by Gurpreet Chawla. 101Reporters

Cabinet Committee on Security meeting begins at Prime Minister’s residence

The Cabinet Committee on Security meeting has started in New Delhi. The Cabinet is expected to explore options — diplomatic or military — for the next course of action for a response. The meeting will be attended by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, the NSA and other officials. Rajnath will later head to Kashmir.

Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval & Finance Minister Arun Jaitley have arrived at 7, LKM for the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. #PulawamaTerrorAttack pic.twitter.com/MotekiUVof

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Family of one of CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama attack 

 Family of CRPF personnel Maninder Singh, who lost his life in the Pulwama terror attack on Thursday, mourns his death. 

Gurdaspur: Family of CRPF personnel Maninder Singh who lost his life in #PulwamaTerrorAttack yesterday, mourns his death. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/Hhegt5Sanr

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Pulwama attack result of Pakistan’s frustration 

“Pakistan is frustrated, after successful elections they could not recruit new terrorists, stone pelting has stopped, so it wanted to do something. We have alerted all installations and cantonments as Pakistan may do something else,” Satya Pal Malik told ANI.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cuts short Sweden visit; will participate in Cabinet security meet 

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has returned from Sweden. She will attend the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security at 9:15 AM. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/nmF6XzdsWd

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Stunned at Satya Pal Malik’s abdication of responsibility, says Mehbooba Mufti 

“Stunned at his refusal to acknowledge grave security lapse despite intelligence inputs. Why were 2000 CRPF men allowed to travel in a convoy? Is air travel only for political elites? Defies common sense. Easy to blame us. Jammu and Kashmir is under Governor’s Rule so so he can’t abdicate responsibility,” Stunned at his refusal to acknowledge grave security lapse despite intelligence inputs. Why were 2000 CRPF men allowed to travel in a convoy? Is air travel only for political elites? Defies common sense. Easy to blame us.J&K under guv rule so he cant abdicate responsibility. https://t.co/uLVGASerjo

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 15, 2019 “>Mehbooba tweeted. 

She was responding to a report quoting Malik as saying that the regional Kashmiri parties should give up their soft stance towards the militants.

With Pulwama attack, suicide car bombing returns to the Valley after 18 years

Suicide car bombing returned to the Kashmir Valley after 18 years, when in a Jaish-e-Mohammad-claimed attack, a vehicle loaded with explosives rammed into a CRPF bus near Pulwama. 

In 2001, at least 38 people were killed when a car full of explosives drove into the J&K legislative Assembly complex. That attack too was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Last year, 614 terrorist-related incidents were reported in J&K, the highest in the past six years. A total of 91 security personnel were killed in these incidents,  The Hindu  reported.

Not only Pakistan, vested interests within Valley also to blame, says Jitendra Singh

Speaking to CNN-News18 Jitendra Singh Minister of State(MoS) Prime Minister’s Office said, “Not only Pakistan-based forces, but those with vested interests within India are also responsible for such an attack. People with vested interests are operating out of the Valley against India’s interests.”

Rajnath Singh to leave for Kashmir Valley around 12 pm today

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will take part in the Cabinet Committee for Security meet in New Delhi at around 9.30 am. Following this, he will leave for Srinagar. Rajnath is likely to visit the site of the attack, after which he will participate in the wreathe laying ceremony.  He will meet Unified Command after wreath laying ceremony and heads of all military and para-military forces are expected to be present.

Latest visuals from site of terror attack in Pulwama

Various media reports are estimating that at least 44 jawans have been killed, however, the official figures so far confirm that 37 personnel have died. Most of the jawans, who were part of the convoy, were returning from leave to join duty in the Valley. 

Latest Visuals from the site of #PulwamaTerrorAttack in Jammu and Kashmir. 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives in the terror attack yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Wv9r7yW9hk

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019

Arun Jaitley to attend crucial Cabinet meet today 

Ailing former finance minister Arun Jaitley is expected to resume duties today. He will also take part in the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Friday morning.

Cabinet Committee on Security to meet today 

The prime minister will hold the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Friday morning at 9.15 am to discuss the terrorist attack and the security situation in the state. The Cabinet is expected to explore options — diplomatic or military — for the next course of action for a response. The meeting will be attended by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, the NSA and other officials.

Rajnath Singh summons top security officials ahead of Cabinet Committee on Security meet

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, late on Thurday, held a series of meetings with top security officials in wake of the Pulwama terror attack that killed at least 40 CRPF troopers. His meetings came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held consultations with him and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Two days before attack, a Jaish-e-Mohammed video warned of similar attack, says report

Just two days before the devastating attack on the CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan-based anti-India terror group had uploaded a video online hinting at the modus operandi of a coming atack. 

NDTV  reported quoted sources that the video showed an attack in Afghanistan, wherein an explosive-laden vehicle was used. The report claimed that the Criminal Investigation Department of the state police had shared the video and input about the possible attack with intelligence agencies. However, no action had been taken about it.

Jammu and Kashmir Guv admits to intel failure 

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik admitted Thursday that the Pulwama attack was partly the result of an intelligence failure as well, especially due to the fact that security forces could not detect the loading and movement of the explosive-laden Scorpio.

“We cannot accept that (intelligence failure). We could not detect or check the vehicle full of explosives moving on the highway. We must accept that we are at fault also,” he said .

Pakistan Foreign office ‘condemns’ attack, dismisses allegations of involvement  

Pakistan Foreign Office, in its official statement has condemned the terror attack in Kashmir Valley. However, it distanced itself from the incident stating, “We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to State of Pakistan without investigations.”

Attack in Pulwama in IoK is a matter of grave concern.We have always condemned heightened acts of violence in Valley. We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to State of Pakistan without investigations.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 14, 2019

Internet services suspended in Jammu

Mobile internet services have been suspended in Jammu in the wake of the Pulwana attack as locals protested against the terrorist attack. 

Members of the Bagrang Dal, Shiv Sena and the Dogra Front were seen protesting in large numbers. J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, in an emergent decision suspended work in all the courts in Jammu, including the high Court and the tribunals, in protest of “the dastardly acts. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (Jammu and Kashmir) strongly condemned the terror attack.

Senior office bearers of VHP, including Leela Karan Sharma, held an emergency meeting here and paid tribute to the killed jawans. In solidarity with security forces, they announced a bandh in Jammu on Friday, a VHP spokesman said.

Anti-Pakistan protests rock Jammu

Massive anti-Pakistan protests rocked Jammu and Kashmir’s winter capital on Thursday, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in which at least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.  Demonstrations and candle light marches were held at dozens of places. Braving the rains, people took to the streets in Jewel Chowk, Purani Mandi, Rehari, Janipur, Gandhinagar,  Bakshi Nagar, Muthi, Talab Tilloo and Satwari and protested against the killings.

Toll in Pulwama terror attack rises to 40

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. 

The CRPF headquarters in Delhi issued a statement late night pegged the toll at 37 even as CRPF officials and Jammu and Kashmir police sources had earlier put the death toll at 40.