Nearly 43 CRPF personnel were martyred and several injured in a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy which occurred on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district around 3: 20 pm on Thursday. Security sources said that today’s attack was the deadliest and worst attack on CRPF in recent times.(todayindia)(todayindia)
They said that terrorists rammed the explosive-laden car into the CRPF bus triggering a massive blast. The terrorists indiscriminately fired at the convoy after the blast.
Talking exclusively to AIR News, Director General of CRPF, R R Bhatnagar said, the convoy of the force having nearly 2500 personnel was moving from Jammu to Srinagar and one of the buses was extensively damaged due to the blast in Pulwama District. He said, those injured have been shifted to the nearby hospital for treatment.
Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack. Our correspondent reports that traffic has been suspended on the highway as forces cordoned off the entire area and launched search operations.
President Ram Nath Kovind has strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
In a tweet, Mr Kovind said that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of martyrs and wished for early recovery to those injured. He said, the entire nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has condemned the cowardly attack. Mr Naidu said he was shocked by the dastardly attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the dastardly attack on CRPF personnel and termed it as despicable.
In a tweet, Mr Modi said, he spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other top officials including National Security Advisor regarding the situation in the wake of the attack.
Mr Modi said, the sacrifices of the brave security personnel will not go in vain and the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Director General CRPF and the Home Secretary regarding the Pulwama terror attack.
In a tweet, Office of the Home Ministry said, they have apprised Mr Singh of the situation and he has cancelled his scheduled visit to Bihar tomorrow.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation. The Home Minister said, the dastardly attack on CRPF in Pulwama is extremely painful and disturbing. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley termed the attack as cowardice and condemnable. In a tweet, Mr Jaitley said, the nation salutes the martyred soldiers and we all stand united with their families. He said, terrorists will be given an unforgettable lesson for their heinous act.
BJP President Amit Shah has termed the terror attack on CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district as an act of cowardice.
In a tweet, he said our forces will remain firm against such acts of terror and defeat them.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi said he is deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a CRPF convoy.
Mr Gandhi extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore has condemned the despicable attack on CRPF.
In a tweet, Mr Rathore said, the cowardly enemy will not weaken India’s resolve and it will wipe out every terrorist from the country.(todayindia)
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Courtesy