On February 14, 2019, a tragic event known as the Pulwama attack shook India. A convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying about 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel from Jammu to Srinagar, was targeted. Near Awantipora, at Lethpora, a car filled with explosives was driven into one of the buses around 3:15 pm local time. The suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old local who had joined the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in 2018, carried out the attack. The explosion was so powerful that it destroyed the bus and killed 40 CRPF personnel, while many others were critically injured. JeM claimed responsibility and released a video of Dar threatening more attacks.
The Pulwama attack sparked outrage and grief across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, assuring those responsible would be punished. Security forces were given the freedom to act against terrorists. India accused Pakistan of supporting JeM and demanded action against the group and its leader, Masood Azhar. The Ministry of External Affairs called on the international community to isolate Pakistan.
India took diplomatic and economic steps, such as removing Pakistan’s Most Favored Nation status and increasing customs duties on Pakistani goods. Security cover was withdrawn for some separatist leaders in Kashmir. Numerous countries and organizations, including the United States, condemned the attack and showed support for India.
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Following the Pulwama attack, India retaliated on February 26, 2019, with “Operation Bandar,” sending 12 Mirage 2000 jets to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. India claimed it was a pre-emptive strike that inflicted heavy casualties. The next day, Pakistan responded with airstrikes. During the aerial engagement, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 before being captured himself. Pakistan released Varthaman as a peace gesture on March 1, 2019.
The Pulwama attack and its aftermath had significant consequences. It exposed India’s security weaknesses and highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism from Pakistan, pushing India to strengthen its defenses. India’s retaliatory Balakot airstrike showed a shift towards proactive deterrence. The crisis heightened India-Pakistan tensions, drawing international concern and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation. It increased pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorist groups and underscored the need to address the root causes of the conflict, including the Kashmir dispute.
The Pulwama attack and its aftermath created both significant challenges and potential opportunities for India, Pakistan, and the world.
The ongoing presence of terrorist groups in Pakistan remains a major threat to India and regional stability. The deep-seated distrust between India and Pakistan makes it difficult to resolve long-standing issues like Kashmir. The possibility of unintended conflict between the two nuclear powers is a constant concern.
Increased global pressure on Pakistan to act against terrorism could incentivize positive change. New international and regional players could facilitate dialogue and cooperation between India and Pakistan. Enhanced cultural exchanges can foster understanding and reduce hostility.
The Pulwama attack highlighted the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan. Addressing the challenges through cooperation and dialogue, with international support, offers the best path towards lasting peace and regional stability. The need for a constructive approach to address longstanding issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute, underlying the conflict between the two nations.
