Live: PM Modi pays tribute to martyred CRPF heroes; mortal remains leave for native places

A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday afternoon.

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Friday, February 15, 2019 - 21:51

India on Friday withdrew the status of the Most Favoured Nation to Pakistan following the Awantipora attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The CRPF has confirmed that a total of 40 CRPF personnel are confirmed dead. Of the total bodies, 36 bodies have been identified whereas four remain unidentified as of now. 

Following the high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India decided to mull tough action against Pakistan and will prepare a dossier on the suicide attack.

READ | Explained: What is Most Favoured Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned saying, "The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished."

The meeting was held to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after one of the deadliest terror attacks in the state killed at least 40 personnel and critically wounded many. A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday afternoon.

READ | Awantipora suicide attack on CRPF convoy points to intelligence failure; Pakistan's ISI hand suspected

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Friday was headed by PM Modi and Defence Minister, Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister are its members.

More than 2,500 Central Reserve Police Force personnel, many of them returning from leave to rejoin duty in the Valley, were travelling in the convoy of 78 vehicles when they were ambushed on the Srinagar-Jammu highway at Latoomode in Awantipora in south Kashmir around 3.15 pm. The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack that took place about 20 km from Srinagar, officials said.

READ | Awantipora suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar was a school dropout and C-category terrorist

Police identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmed, who officials said joined the Jaish in 2018. He was driving a vehicle packed with over 100 kg of explosives on the wrong side of the road and hit the bus, in which estimated 39-44 personnel were travelling, head-on, an official at the spot said.

READ | Nationwide protests against Awantipora suicide attack, people want 'revenge' from Pakistan

The powerful explosion, which reduced the bus to a mangled heap of iron, was heard many kilometres away, including in some parts of Srinagar adjoining Pulwama district. Body parts could be seen strewn around the area. 

Here are the live updates:

15 February 2019, 21:51 PM

Mortal remains of martyred CRPF bravehearts depart for their native places.

15 February 2019, 20:40 PM

PM Modi pays homage to the fallen CRPF bravehearts.

15 February 2019, 20:13 PM

Rahul Gandhi pays tribute. Chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, apart from Chief of Indian Army, also pay their last respects.

15 February 2019, 20:11 PM

PM Modi has asked ministers in BJP-governed states and BJP MPs to attend the last rites of jawans in their respective states and constituencies.

15 February 2019, 20:10 PM

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announces compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the jawans from the state.

15 February 2019, 20:07 PM

PM Modi has asked ministers in the BJP governed states and also the BJP MPs to attend the last rites of jawans, who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack, in their respective states and constituencies.

15 February 2019, 19:57 PM

PM Modi, Army Chief Bipin Rawat arrive to pay their final respect.

15 February 2019, 19:47 PM

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaches Palam Airport.

15 February 2019, 19:36 PM

C17 aircraft brings mortal remains of martyred CRPF personnel to Palam Airport's technical area. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also present here.

15 February 2019, 19:27 PM

PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi among others to pay tributes.

15 February 2019, 19:26 PM

Mortal remains of CRPF personnel martyred in yesterday's attack reach Delhi's Palam Airport.

15 February 2019, 19:23 PM

Congress president Rahul Gandhi is going to Palam Airport where the mortal remains of CRPF jawans are being brought on Friday.

15 February 2019, 19:17 PM

Visuals of protest from Lucknow:

15 February 2019, 19:17 PM

Representatives from different diplomatic missions leave from the Ministry of External Affairs.

15 February 2019, 19:15 PM

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announces an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to families of the jawans from the state who lost their lives in Pulwama attack. One member each from the families of the deceased jawans will also be given a government job, as per their qualification.

15 February 2019, 19:15 PM

MEA's meeting with representatives of various diplomatic missions in India concludes.

15 February 2019, 18:59 PM

Representatives from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Nepal are also present in the meeting.

15 February 2019, 18:36 PM

Representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain and Bhutan are also present.

15 February 2019, 18:27 PM

Representatives from Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia and Japan have arrived, reports ANI.

15 February 2019, 18:21 PM

India has briefed P5 nations - permanent members of the UN Security Council - about the ghastly terror attack that took place yesterday.

15 February 2019, 18:17 PM

Envoys and/or their representatives of several countries arrive at the Ministry of External Affairs as India launches a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan.

15 February 2019, 17:52 PM

An all-party meeting will be held on Saturday at 1100hrs in the Parliament library.

15 February 2019, 17:50 PM

"There are some elements who are hand in glove with terror organisations, terror forces and ISI across the border. They are involved in terror conspiracies too. They are toying with the future of the people, especially the youth in J&K," says Rajnath Singh. "There are some elements here who take money from Pakistan and ISI. I have told the officers that the security provided to such people should be reviewed."

15 February 2019, 17:34 PM

In Srinagar, Rajnath Singh said, "I've requested state governments to extend the maximum help they can lend to the bereaved families. I've given all the necessary directions to the officers. The morale has not taken a hit. We'll see this fight against terrorism to the end."

15 February 2019, 17:18 PM

Senior MEA officials are reaching out to all important partners via diplomatic missions in wake of the attack to apprise them of involvement of Pakistan backed terror groups: ANI sources

15 February 2019, 17:17 PM

A total of seven people have been detained for questioning. Of the seven, six are from Singoo Nabal and Laroo area and one of them is from Ramoo village. All the seven people are from Pulwama district. 

15 February 2019, 16:30 PM

Separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik stated that they "regret every killing" on Kashmir's soil, without mentioning the suicide attack by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. "People and leadership of Kashmir regret every killing that happens on its soil," the statement said. "The delay in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute... Is wreaking havoc in Kashmir especially. If killing and counter killings have to stop and if we really want peace in the region, we have to put an end to hostilities. Engage and listen to the concerns of all three stakeholders and address them in the spirit of humanity and justice. Resolve the Kashmir dispute for all times," they added.

15 February 2019, 16:28 PM

Lt General (Retd) DS Hooda who oversaw 2016 Surgical strike operation said, "It's a big tragedy and very clearly Pakistan's hand is completely revealed in this. There needs to be a response to this. But let's have a more consistent and long term policy."

15 February 2019, 16:22 PM

The Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust has contributed a total of Rs 51 lakh to the families of the slain CRPF personnel.

15 February 2019, 16:19 PM

RDX was not used in the attack on CRPF in Pulwama, but a deadly weapon was built using the things used in the common industries. According to the specialists who inspected the spot, the nails and  iron pieces were added to make make it more harmful. To make this, the things needed were collected gradually from common shops.

15 February 2019, 16:19 PM

RDX was not used in the attack on CRPF in Pulwama, but a deadly weapon was built using the things used in the common industries. According to the specialists who inspected the spot, the nails and  iron pieces were added to make make it more harmful. To make this, the things needed were collected gradually from common shops.

15 February 2019, 16:14 PM

National Investigation Agency (NIA) reaches the site of Awantipora suicide attack and starts their investigation.

15 February 2019, 16:11 PM

RDX was not used in the attack on CRPF in Pulwama, but a deadly weapon was built using the things used in the common industries. According to the specialists who inspected the spot, nails, iron pieces were added to make it more harmful by filling. To make this, the things needed to be collected from common shops were collected gradually.

15 February 2019, 15:56 PM

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik hold meeting with officials in Srinagar.

15 February 2019, 15:47 PM

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has been called to Delhi for consultations in the wake of the Awantipora attack. Bisaria will leave tonight for Delhi for the consultations on Saturday: ANI sources

15 February 2019, 15:46 PM

WATCH: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh lend a shoulder to mortal remains of a CRPF soldier in Budgam.

15 February 2019, 15:45 PM

15 February 2019, 14:43 PM

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and Army's Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, pay tribute to CRPF personnel.

15 February 2019, 14:41 PM

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. 

15 February 2019, 14:41 PM

In Jhansi, PM Modi said, "Our brave soldiers have sacrificed their lives and these sacrifices will not go in vain.The valour of our security forces has been witnessed by the country and there can be no one in our country who doubts their valour and bravery. Conspirators of Pulwama attack will be punished, our neighbouring country has forgotten that this is a new India. Pakistan is going through an economic crisis; Pakistan is roaming around with its begging bowl but it’s not getting help from the world. Our neighbours' intentions will be given a befitting reply by the people of India. All major world powers are standing with us&supporting us. The messages I have received show that they are not only sad, they are angry too. Everyone is in favour of ending terrorism."

15 February 2019, 14:25 PM

India on Friday summoned Pakistan's top envoy and lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 CRPF soldiers. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood and lodged strong protest over the killing of the CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, official sources said. 

15 February 2019, 14:24 PM

The IAS Association of Uttarakhand will contribute a day's salary to the family members of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives. The amount will be sent to the CRPF Headquarters in Delhi.

15 February 2019, 13:16 PM

The movement of the convoys of security forces in Kashmir has been suspended. A curfew has also been imposed in Jammu as a precautionary measure in view of massive protest after the attack and stone pelting, said officials. The Army has been requested to help the administration in maintaining law and order, said officials. The curfew has been imposed at Bus Stand, Nawabad, Bakshi Nagar, Peer Mitha, Pacca Danga, Channi Himmat, Janipur, Domana, and Bagh-E-Bahu areas.

15 February 2019, 13:10 PM

China again declines to back India's appeal to list JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist by the UN following the Pulwama attack. 

15 February 2019, 13:09 PM

Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "It is condemnable, it's a cowardly act. It needs a permanent solution through dialogue, how long will the Jawans sacrifice their lives? How long will the bloodshed continue? People who do this must be punished. Hurling abuses won't help."

15 February 2019, 13:08 PM

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh accompanied by Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba leaves for Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

15 February 2019, 13:07 PM

Locals protest against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.

15 February 2019, 12:59 PM

Following the attack, CRPF said, "We will not forget, We will not forgive. We salute our martyrs and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged."

15 February 2019, 12:52 PM

The mortal remains of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in at a CRPF camp in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

15 February 2019, 12:40 PM

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has announced a compensation of Rs one lakh rupees to the family of a martyred CRPF personnel, a resident of Gumla. The state government also promised a government job to one member of the family.