Seven Years After Pulwama: The Attack That Changed India’s Security Doctrine

India continues to remember the 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, 2019, one of the deadliest assaults on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

The attack took place around 3:15 PM near Lethpora in Pulwama district along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway.

A CRPF convoy comprising 78 vehicles and carrying more than 2,500 personnel was travelling from Jammu to Srinagar when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden SUV into one of the buses. The powerful blast destroyed the vehicle and killed 40 personnel instantly.

The Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities later identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmad Dar. He was a resident of Pulwama who joined the militant group in 2018.

The incident triggered nationwide outrage and drew widespread condemnation from political leaders and citizens alike. People across the country held candlelight marches and paid tributes to honour the fallen soldiers.

Several countries also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.

In response, India carried out airstrikes on February 26, 2019, targeting a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility in Balakot, Pakistan. The action marked a significant escalation in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The following day, Pakistan launched retaliatory aerial action, leading to an air combat engagement.

Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down during the engagement. Pakistan released him on March 1, 2019.

The Pulwama attack had far-reaching diplomatic and security consequences. India withdrew Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) trade status and stepped up efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally over its alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

The incident also prompted tighter security protocols for convoy movements and counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Seven years on, the Pulwama attack remains a painful chapter in India’s history. The nation continues to pay tribute to the 40 CRPF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding national security.