Pulwama Attack Anniversary: Remembering the 40 Brave CRPF Soldiers Who Laid Down Their Lives

On February 14 each year, India solemnly remembers the 40 CRPF personnel martyred in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and honours their sacrifice and courage.

Pune | 14 February, 2026- Every year on February 14, India solemnly remembers the lives lost in the tragic Pulwama attack, one of the deadliest terror strikes against Indian security forces. On this day in 2019, a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was travelling along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into one of the buses near Pulwama. The powerful blast claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, plunging the nation into grief and outrage.

The attack was later claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based militant outfit. The suicide bomber, identified as a local recruit associated with the group, carried out the assault during peak convoy movement, making it one of the most devastating strikes on Indian forces in Kashmir in recent years. The scale of destruction was immense, with the targeted bus reduced to debris within seconds.

The incident triggered nationwide mourning. From metropolitan cities to small villages, candlelight vigils were held, and tributes poured in from citizens, political leaders, and armed forces personnel. The names and photographs of the fallen soldiers were shared widely, reminding the country of the human cost of terrorism. Many of the martyrs hailed from different states across India, symbolising the collective sacrifice made by families from diverse backgrounds.

In response to the attack, India carried out the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019. The operation targeted a major terror training camp across the border and marked a significant moment in India’s counter-terror strategy. The strike demonstrated a shift toward a more assertive doctrine in dealing with cross-border terrorism and underscored the country’s determination to respond firmly to such acts.

Beyond the immediate military and diplomatic consequences, the Pulwama attack had long-term implications for national security policies. Convoy movement protocols were reviewed, intelligence coordination was strengthened, and security forces increased surveillance measures in sensitive regions. The tragedy also renewed public discourse on terrorism, border security, and the safety of armed forces personnel deployed in high-risk zones.

Each year, remembrance ceremonies are held at memorials dedicated to the martyrs. Families of the fallen soldiers, along with officials and citizens, gather to honour their courage and service. Social media campaigns and public tributes ensure that their sacrifice remains etched in the nation’s collective memory. The day serves not only as a moment of mourning but also as a reaffirmation of national unity and resilience.

The CRPF’s motto, “Service and Loyalty,” resonates deeply on this anniversary. The bravery displayed by the personnel on that fateful day stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation, even at the cost of their lives.

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