Ashish Ranjan
On Tuesday, the anniversary of the Pulwama terrorist attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives.
On this date in 2019, an attack by terrorists on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama resulted in the deaths of over forty CRPF men.
“We remember the valiant heroes we lost on this day in Pulwama. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their bravery inspires us to construct a powerful and thriving India “Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
Remembering our valorous heroes who we lost on this day in Pulwama. We will never forget their supreme sacrifice. Their courage motivates us to build a strong and developed India.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2023
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber’s car collided with a CRPF convoy. Pakistani terror camps at Balakot were the target of a retaliatory attack by the Indian Air Force.
Over 250 terrorists killed in IAF airstrike in Balakot
Amit Shah stated in March 2019 that more than 250 terrorists were killed in the February 26 attack conducted by the Indian Air Force near Balakot, Pakistan. At an electoral rally in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Shah stated that the government conducted an air strike in Pakistan and killed over 250 terrorists.
“Our forces had entered Pakistan, conducted surgical strikes, and avenged the deaths of our soldiers following the Uri incident,” stated Shah.
“On the thirteenth day after the Pulwama terror incident, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government conducted an airstrike and killed more than 250 terrorists,” he stated at the public gathering.
According to the news agency ANI, Amit Shah stated at a separate event in Surat: “In the past, our soldiers were decapitated and ridiculed, but the current scenario is such that when one of our soldiers fell in Pakistan while shooting down an F-16, he was back within 24 hours. This shift is the result of Narendra Modi’s determination.”
Opposition questions government
Meanwhile, doubts were raised by the Opposition, that also wanted a verification of the airstrike and on statements on the number of terrorists killed.
Former Union minister Kapil Sibal cited foreign media reports claiming there was no evidence that terrorists were killed in Balakot and questioned whether the prime minister was “politicising terror.”
“The prime minister must comment on worldwide media claims that few people perished there (in airstrike in Balakot). I wish to ask the Prime Minister, “Does world media support Pakistan?” When international media speaks against Pakistan, you feel elated. When they ask inquiries, is it because Pakistan is supported?” Sibal asked.
