Pulwama attack anniversary: PM Modi says sacrifice ‘etched in our consciousness’

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, describing their sacrifice as “forever etched in our collective consciousness.”

Marking seven years since the February 14, 2019, tragedy, the Prime Minister said the nation continues to draw strength from the courage and dedication of the fallen soldiers.

“Remembering the brave heroes who laid down their lives in Pulwama. Their devotion, resolve and service to the nation remain forever etched in our collective consciousness. Every Indian draws strength from their enduring courage,” PM Modi wrote on X.

The Pulwama attack, one of the deadliest assaults on Indian security forces, claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway.

The convoy, comprising 78 buses carrying nearly 2,500 personnel, was travelling from Jammu to Srinagar when the explosion tore through one of the buses, leaving scenes of devastation that shocked the country.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also paid tribute, stating that the supreme sacrifice of the personnel “continues to inspire the nation to work towards a strong and secure India.” Several political leaders across party lines echoed similar sentiments, while memorial ceremonies were held in different parts of the country.

In Jammu and Kashmir, wreath-laying events took place at the CRPF memorial, where senior officers, local officials and families of the martyrs gathered to honour the fallen. Moments of silence were observed, and floral tributes were offered amid tight security arrangements.

The 2019 attack triggered far-reaching consequences. India responded with a series of diplomatic and security measures, including intensified counter-terror operations and the Balakot airstrikes targeting alleged terror camps across the border. The episode marked a significant escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan and drew widespread international attention.

Over the years, security protocols governing convoy movements and personnel deployment in the region have undergone major revisions. Authorities have emphasised enhanced surveillance, better route sanitisation, and the integration of advanced technologies aimed at preventing similar incidents.

The Pulwama tragedy also reshaped the national discourse on terrorism and internal security. It reignited debate on cross-border militancy, intelligence coordination, and the need for sustained global cooperation against terror networks.

The attack saw strong condemnation from world leaders, with many countries expressing solidarity with India.

Families of the martyrs continue to remember their loved ones with pride and grief. Many have spoken about carrying forward the legacy of service and resilience, while appeals for continued support for veterans and dependents have surfaced during anniversary commemorations.

As the country marked the day, social media platforms were flooded with messages of remembrance, tributes, and visuals from memorial events. Hashtags honouring the martyrs trended through the day, reflecting the enduring emotional resonance of the attack.

Seven years on, Pulwama remains a solemn reminder of the human cost of terrorism. The commemorations served both as a tribute to the fallen and as a reaffirmation of the nation’s resolve to combat terror and safeguard its security forces.