Modi on 7th anniversary of Pulwama attack: ‘Government punished terrorists’

New Delhi: Tributes were paid to the soldiers martyred in the Pulwama attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world had seen how the government responded to the terrorist attack seven years ago.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the Prime Minister at a rally in the poll-bound state of Puducherry for his “decisive leadership” and “firm action” against terrorism. He praised the Balakot airstrike carried out after the Pulwama attack and Operation Sindoor, carried out after the Pahalgam attack.
Several Chief Ministers and senior Congress leaders paid tribute to the martyred soldiers and said their service to the country would always be remembered.
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, killing 40 soldiers.
A few days later, India launched a retaliatory strike, known as the Balakot airstrike. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan paid tribute to the CRPF soldiers who lost their lives and said their sacrifice will always be remembered by the nation.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Remembering the brave heroes who laid down their lives in Pulwama on this day in 2019. Their devotion, determination, and service to the nation will forever be etched in our collective consciousness. Every Indian draws strength from their continued courage.”

Addressing a public meeting in Guwahati, Assam, Modi said the world had seen how the government responded to the terrorist attack. “After the terrorist attack, the whole world saw how India punished these terrorists.”

He said Operation Sindoor, carried out after the Pahalgam terror attack last year, was also proof of India’s response to terrorist attacks.

Modi alleged, “Congress did nothing for the country’s security, but only made statements and committed scams while purchasing weapons.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge used X to pay tribute to the soldiers killed in the attack. He said their indomitable courage and unwavering dedication to the nation will always be etched in the nation’s collective memory.
Rahul Gandhi said in a Hindi post on X, “My heartfelt tributes to our brave soldiers martyred in the daring terrorist attack in Pulwama in 2019.”
“The nation will always be indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice in protecting Mother India.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the soldiers’ unwavering commitment, unparalleled bravery, and selfless service to the motherland will always inspire every citizen.
The Chief Ministers of Punjab, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana also praised the soldiers’ sacrifice.
In a post on X, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Today I salute the brave CRPF jawans who fell victim to the Pulwama incident on this day in 2019.”
Uttar Pradesh CM Adityanath said, “Salute to all the brave sons of Mother India who sacrificed their lives in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pulwama. The sacrifice of our immortal soldiers is a declaration of the invincible resolve of Indian valor, which always inspires us to root out terrorism. Jai Hind.”
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that while the world celebrates February 14th as a day of love, it is also a day to celebrate “the greatest love of all: love for one’s country.” Their bravery will never be forgotten, and their families will always be in our prayers.
Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said in a post on X, “On this sacred day, we bow our heads in deep respect and remembrance of the brave martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in the tragic terrorist attack in Pulwama.”
Singh said, “The people of Manipur stand in complete solidarity with the families of our fallen heroes and reiterate our collective resolve to uphold the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of our great nation.”
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann posted on X, “We pay our heartfelt tributes to all the martyrs who laid down their lives in the Pulwama terror attack. Our nation will always remember the sacrifice of these brave soldiers.”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, “The supreme sacrifice of the brave sons of Mother India is an indelible mark of the nation’s unity, security, and resolve. Their indomitable courage and patriotism always inspire us to stand united and strong against terrorism.”
Senior leaders and workers of the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit visited Lethpora, the site of the attack in Pulwama district of South Kashmir, and paid tribute.