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42 CRPF jawans killed in terror attack after Scorpio SUV with 350 kg explosives hits bus in Pulwama

The vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device or IED explosion on Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora area of the district, a police official said.

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42 CRPF jawans killed in terror attack after Scorpio SUV with 350 kg explosives hits bus in Pulwama

42 CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama IED blast (News Nation)

As many as 42 CRPF jawans were killed and dozens of others injured after a Scorpio SUV with 350 kg of explosives hit a bus carrying the personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday. The vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device or IED explosion on Srinagar-Jammu highway in Awantipora area of the district, a police official said, adding that the exact number of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. After 2016 Uri terror attack, this is considered to be the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir in nearly two decades. The incident occurred at Lethpora on the Srinagar-Anantnag highway followed by gunshots aimed at the security forces in Pulwama district this afternoon. WATCH VIDEO

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Here are the latest updates:

12:00 am: There are videos on social media showing some Kashmiri youths celebrating today's fidayeen attack in Srinagar.

11:57 pm: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi: I'm shocked, outraged & deeply grieved by the barbarous attack on CRPF convoy in J&K. Our brave CRPF personnel died serving the nation selflessly, at the hands of cowardly terrorists, & their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

11:25 pm: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina: At this sad moment, we stand by the people and govt of India. We offer was condolences to the members of the families who lost their dear ones. Our thoughts and prayers are speedy recovery of those who got injured.

11:00 pm: From Akshay Kumar to Anupam Kher, Bollywood star vent their anger on the death of CRPF Jawans in Pulwama.

10:40 pm: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis: The attack was a cowardly act and India will give a befitting reply to it. We condemn this incident. I met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to discuss alliance but due to Pulwama Attack, we kept our discussion short.

10:30 pm: Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries has announced a peaceful Jammu Bandh tomorrow (February 15) as a protest against the killing of CRPF Jawans in Pulwama.

10:12 pm: MEA: Govt of India condemns in strongest possible terms the cowardly terrorist attack on our brave security forces in Pulwama, J&K today. This heinous act has been perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based and supported terrorist organisation proscribed by the UN and other countries.

This terror group is led by international terrorist Masood Azhar, who has been given full freedom by Government of Pakistan to operate and expand his terror infrastructure in territories under the control of Pakistan and to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere with impunity, the ministry added.

10:10 pm: Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe: I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to PM Modi and the families of police officers who lost their lives.

10:05 pm: Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid: Strongly condemn the suicide terrorist attack on the convoy carrying Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir today. I extend my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families of the dead and injured.

10:02 pm: Bhutan Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji on Pulwama attack: Shocked and saddened to hear of the terror attack in Kashmir. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express our solidarity with families of victims and people and Govt of India. Hope perpetrators will be brought to justice.

10:00 pm: Speaking to news agency ANI, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, "We mourn the death of CRPF soldiers and we join the country in this hour of grief, in view of this  Rahul Gandhi ‘s luncheon meet with G20 head of missions tomorrow stands cancelled".

09:45 pm: Amid growing rage over Pulwama blast, there are reports of another terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.

09:42 pm: Embassy of the Russian Federation: We denounce terrorism in all its forms and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with a decisive and collective response without any double standards. We express condolences to families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to injured.

09:40 pm: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to go to Srinagar tomorrow.

09:33 pm: As per the latest report, the death count in Pulwama terror attack goes up to 42.

09:31 pm: Citizens are requested to stay away from the blast site as the area needs to be preserved properly for investigators to examine.

09:30 pm: Explosion on CRPF convoy in Pulwama was heard 10 km away: Locals.

09:28 pm: We condemn this cowardly terror attack. This is a crime against humanity. The sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. The entire nation should condemn this and support Indian govt's fight against terrorism: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

09:25 pm: Deeply disturbed at the news of the terrorist attack in Awantipora, Kashmir which killed 42 of our soldiers and left 30 injured. We will not be cowed down by peddlers of hate and terror. I pray for our martyrs and their loved ones. We are with them now and always: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal.

09:17 pm: Shocked at the dastardly Pulwama attack on CRPF men. My heart goes out to the families of those killed. Praying for them and those injured in the attack. Let’s join hands in dealing with the militant groups active in Kashmir with an iron hand, tweeted Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

09:16 pm: Mobile internet services have been snapped in the whole of South Kashmir and speed slowed to 2G in Srinagar district: ANI.

09:10 pm: Arrangements are being made to airlift the mortal remains of the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice: Sources.

09:05 pm: Here is the list of CRPF jawans who were in the vehicle which came under deadliest terrorist attack this afternoon.

09:01 pm: BJP President Amit Shah: I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the martyred jawans, the whole nation is standing with the families like a rock: BJP national president Amit Shah on Pulwama attack.

09:00 pm: Cabinet Committee on Security to meet at 9:15 am tomorrow, reports ANI.

08:58 pm: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over Pulwama attack.

08:57 pm: Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered a case. Officers investigating this terror crime are at work to establish full circumstances which led to the blast. Condemn this gruesome terror attack and stand by families of martyred and injured jawans at this critical juncture.

08:56 pm: Union I&B Ministry issues advisory for television channels in wake of Pulwama Attack, reports ANI.

08:55 pm: Pulwama attack: Priyanka cancels press conference, holds 2-minute silence for jawans.

08:53 pm: An NIA team with a suitable forensic component is leaving tomorrow morning for Kashmir to assist the Jammu & Kashmir Police in forensic evaluation of the spot: ANI.

08:50 pm: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli speaks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expresses condolences, concern and condemnation over Pulwama attack

08:25 pm: Deadliest attack on forces in Kashmir kills 40 CRPF personnel: ANI

08:10 pm: Tomorrow morning a 12 member team of NIA will go to the blast site. An IG rank officer of the NIA will lead the team.

07:56 pm: Jitendra Singh, MoS PMO: It's a dastardly act done out of desperation. I call to question those who while living in India&describing themselves as mainstream Kashmir politicians tend to be apologetic about these terror activities sponsored from across Indian soil.

07:55 pm: Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, who reached Thimpu, Bhutan earlier today for the annual Secretary-level talks, has decided to cut short the visit and rush back.

07:54 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets Special DIB, talks to IB Director and NSA Ajit Doval.

07:51 pm: K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Govt to ANI: Death toll in Pulwama attack is around 40.

07:45 pm: There are reports that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on February 8 had issued an alert warning this kind of terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Awantipora, but lack of security cover and ignorance have failed to avoid the untoward incident.

07:03 pm: Addressing the media, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said, "Deepest condolences to the families of the 30 Jawans martyred in a terror attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. I can very well understand the pain and grief of losing a loved one in the family".

"I want to say that not only the Congress party but the entire country is standing shoulder to shoulder with the families of our brave soldiers. But we must also reflect and be concerned about the high number of casualties in Kashmir. We demand that this government take concrete steps to ensure such terror attacks don’t happen in the future," the younger Gandhi added.

06:57 pm: Spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh Ji and other top officials regarding the situation in the wake of the attack in Pulwama, tweeted PM Modi.

06:56 pm: On Pulwama terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "Attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama is despicable. I strongly condemn this dastardly attack. The sacrifices of our brave security personnel shall not go in vain. The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the brave martyrs. May the injured recover quickly".

06:42 pm: WATCH: Pulwama blast mastermind terrorist Aadil Ahmad's video here

06:40 pm: Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Arun Jaitley wrote, "Attack on CRPF in Pulwama, J&K is cowardice and condemnable act of terrorists. Nation salutes martyred soldiers and we all stand united with families of martyrs. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Terrorists will be given an unforgettable lesson for their heinous act".

06:39 pm: K Vinay Kumar, Adviser to Jammu and Kashmir Governor: As far as the death toll is concerned I was told it was initially 18 and 3 people were taken to hospital in critical condition. So, it could be 20. But I am only basing on telephonic reports I am getting from the field.

06:38 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh's Patna rally, scheduled to take place on Friday has been cancelled.

06:36 pm: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is monitoring the situation in Kashmir post-Pulwama Attack, Senior CRPF officials are briefing him on the situation.

06:30 pm: Sources said the death count in Pulwama IED blast has climbed up to 30.

06:27 pm: 20 CRPF jawans killed in the IED blast at Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, according to reports. A Scorpio car laden with 350 kg of explosives hit the CRPF convoy.

06:21 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Srinagar tomorrow. He has also spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik over Pulwama Attack.

06:14 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was scheduled to address a rally in Uttarakhand, has left for the national capital.

06:13 pm: In the wake of Pulwama IED blast, the Jammu and Kashmir national highway has been sealed.

06:04 pm: In a veiled attack at the Narendra Modi government, Surjewala further said, "This is the 18th big terror attack in the last 5 years under this Modi Govt. When will the 56-inch chest reply?

05:56 pm: Condemn the cowardly terror attack on our jawans in Pulwama, J&K today. Our homage to the 18 brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice and condolences to their family. Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama- the terror list and compromise of National Security by Modi Govt continues unabated: Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

05:55 pm: As a soldier and a citizen of India, my blood boils at the spineless and cowardly attacks. 18 brave hearts from the CRPF laid down their lives in Pulwama. I salute their selfless sacrifice and promise that every drop of our soldier’s blood will be avenged, tweeted General VK Singh.

05:48 pm: "Shocked by the dastardly terrorist attack in which CRPF personnel were martyred. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of the injured," tweeted Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

05:40 pm: Taking to Twitter, Congress president Rahul Gandhi wrote, "I am deeply disturbed by the cowardly attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir in which 10 of our brave men have been martyred and many others wounded. My condolences to the families of our martyrs. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured".


05:37 pm: Senior officers at the spot, the investigation is underway. Injured being taken care of. There were 2500 personnel in the convoy: CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar on IED blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

05:33 pm: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also expressed his sadness over the IED blast in Pulwama and said, "Deeply saddened over the terrible report of an IED blast in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir in which our brave CRPF Jawans have been martyred. I salute to their supreme sacrifice. May God give their families the strength to bear this loss. My prayers with CRPF personnel, who were injured. Hope they recover soon".

05:30 pm: "Extremely shocking news coming from Pulwama (J&K). I strongly condemn the terror attack on CRPF convoy in which many casualties are feared. India must stand united in this moment of grief," tweeted AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

05:29 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote, "Saddened that 13 CRPF jawans became martyrs today in Pulwama. We salute our brave jawans and extend our solidarity and condolences to their families. Our prayers for those injured. We wish them a speedy recovery".

05:25 pm: "Terrible news coming from the valley. A number of CRPF soldiers are reported to have been killed and injured in an IED blast. I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers for the injured and condolences to the families of the bereaved," tweeted Omar Abdullah.

"Jaish has claimed the blast as a suicide (fidayeen) attack reminiscent of the dark days of militancy pre-2004-05," Abdullah added.

05:24 pm: Taking to Twitter, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said, "Disturbing news coming in from Awantipura. Twelve of our security personnel have been martyred and several have been injured. No words are enough to condemn the gruesome terror attack. How many more lives will be snuffed out before this madness ends".

05:23 pm: In view of Pulwama IED blast, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has talked to CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar and called for an urgent meeting in Delhi. 

05:20 pm: Speaking to news agency ANI, Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF (Operations) said, "Police has taken up the investigation. The injured shifted to hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot".

05:18 pm: "Deeply saddened by the martyrdom of so many CRPF jawans in the terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. Strongly condemn the cowardly act and condolences to the bereaved families," tweeted Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

05:08 pm: CRPF Official on Pulwama attack: There were 70 vehicles carrying over 2,500 jawans in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar: Sources.

05:04 pm: As per the latest reports, as many as 18 jawans have lost their lives in the attack.

05:00 pm: Local 'fidayeen' terrorist Aadil Ahmad executed Lethpora attack: Jaish-e-Mohammed: A JeM spokesperson Muhammad Hassan in a statement said, "dozens of forces" vehicles were destroyed in the attack. The spokesperson identified the driver (of JeM) who carried out the fidayeen attack as Aadil Ahmad alias Waqas Commando of Gundi Bagh, Pulwama.

04:53 pm: Dozens injured as well. The death count is expected to rise. Two buses in the CRPF convoy were targeted in an high-intensity IED blast.

04:50 pm: 12 CRPF jawans have lost their lives in an IED blast in Awantipora, Pulwama, news agency ANI reported.

04:46 pm: 10 CRPF personnel has been killed in Pulwama IED blast, Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh told News Nation.

04:39 pm: This is the second major terror attack at Indian jawans after 2016 URI attack.

04:25 pm: 12 CRPF personnel injured in the Pulwama IED blast.

04:15 pm: Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pakistani-based terrorist group has claimed the responsibility for the IED blast, adding that it was a fidayeen attack carried out by a local youth.

04:00 pm: Eight CRPF personnel killed in IED blast in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, casualties likely to go up.

03:57 pm: Several CRPF personnel injured as vehicle blown up by IED blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

03:55 pm: IED blast targetting security forces in Awantipora area on Srinagar-Jammu highway. The vehicle belonged to 54-battalion of the CRPF.

The CRPF convoy was targeted by the terrorists, who set off the IED bomb fitted in a vehicle in the Awantipora area of the district. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. The IED was placed in an autorickshaw, which was parked on the national highway, which is guarded by the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir police and the army. The IED was planted to target security forces vehicles. Soon after the incident, the security forces have launched a serach operation in the area.

Jammu and Kashmir Terrorists Pulwama CRPF Pulwama attack Terrorist Attack Awantipora IED blast Pulwama IED blast Pulwama blast