At least 20 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and over 40 people injured when Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists allegedly targeted a convoy of 70 CRPF vehicles with a car bomb in Avantipur region of Pulwama on Thursday. 13 of the injured are said to be in critical condition and battling for their lives. They were shifted to an Army base hospital in Srinagar.
The attack drew quick and sharp reactions from a leaders across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted, “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.”
Congress President Rahul Gandhi too offered his condolences to the families of martyrs and tweeted, “I’m deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a #CRPF convoy in J&K in which many of our brave CRPF men have been martyred and a large number wounded, some critically. My condolences to the families of our martyrs. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitly tweeted, “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.”
The Congress party also condemned the attach and tweeted, “We are deeply saddened and angered by the terrorist attack that took the lives of our CRPF jawans in #Pulwama. We strongly condemn this violence and stand with the martyrs. Our thoughts & prayers are with their friends and families in this time of grief.”
AAP Chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the attack. He tweeted, “Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief.”
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. In a statement released on Twitter they said, “The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the terrorist attack mounted on a CRPF convoy. Violence is not the answer to resolve issues that require the engagement of all stakeholders in the state. We call upon the Central government to ensure that peace and normalcy prevails in the state.”
Youth leader Kanhaiya Kumar tweeted, “News of the cowardly terrorist attack on our soldiers in #Pulwama is deeply saddening. My condolences to the families of the martyrs & my thoughts go out to all those still fighting for their lives.We must all unite together in this time of grief and condemn this shameful attack.”
Sabrangindia’s Appeal
Violence is never a solution and justice is a crying need for the survivors of bomb terror, or any kind of terror, even mob terror. The quest for justice and reparation must be based on the rule of law and not by inciteful cries of blood and revenge. More than anything else, cool headed interventions are the need of the hour.
We urge citizens to maintain peace and harmony in wake of this tragedy and not allow it to tear apart our diverse yet delicate socio-cultural fabric.